BEATRIX 
OF  CLARE 

A    R  OMAN  C  E 


JOHN  REED  SCOTT 


345D 


h-^ 


Digitizecl  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

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http://www.archive.org/cletails/beatrixofclareOOscotiala 


BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 


FIFTH    EDITION 


Wmr.  OF  CALiy.  libraby.  los  ahgelbs 


THE  COUNTESS  RAISED  HER   HAND  AND  POINTED  AT  HIM 

Pog'SS? 


BEATRIX   OF 
CLARE 


BY 

JOHN  REED  SCOTT 

AUTHOR  OF  "THE  COLONEL  OF  THE  RED  HUZZARS' 


WITH    ILLUSTRATIONS    IN    COLOR 
BY    CLARENCE      F.     UNDERWOOD 


PHILADELPHIA    AND    LONDON 

J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  COMPANY 

1907 


Copyright,  1907,  by  John  Rbbd  Scott 


Published  May,  1907 


EUctrotyped  and  printed  by  J.  B.  Lippincott  Company 
The  Washington  Square  Press,  Philadelphia 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

I. — Ruddy  Tresses  akd  Grey  Eyes 9 

II. — Richard  of  Gloucester 33 

III. — The  Voice  on  the  Ramparts 35 

IV. — Trailing    Chains 47 

V. — The  Captured  Favor 60 

VI. — A  Wayside  Skirmish 72 

VII.— A  Favor  Lost 84 

VIII. — The  Inn  of  Northampton 93 

IX.— The    Arrest 108 

X. — The  Lady  Mary  Changes  Barges 123 

XL— On   Chapel   Green 134 

XIL— The   King's  Word 151 

XIIL— At  Royal  Windsor 163 

XIV. — The  Queen  of  Archery 179 

XV.— The  Frown  of  Fate 189 

XVI.— The   Flat-Nose   Reappears 206 

XVIL— In    Pursuit 222 

XVIII. — The  House  in  Sheffield 236 

XIX.— Back  to  the  King 253 

XX. — In    Abeyance 267 

XXI. — Buckingham's    Revenge 276 

XXII. — The    Knight   and   the   Abbot 293 

XXIII. — Three  Chevrons  Gules 306 

XXIV. — "When  You  Have  Topped  these  Stairs"..  314 

XXV. — A  Page  from  the  Past 330 

XXVI. — The  Judgment  of  the  King 344 


2132657 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 

THE       COUNTESS      RAISED       HER       HAND       AND       POINTED 

AT  HIM Frontispiece 

SHE   SEVERED   THE   CORD   WITH   A   TOUCH   OP   HER 

BODKIN 1/ 

THE  DUKE  FASTENED  HIS  EYES  UPON  THE  YOUNG  KNIGHX'S 

PACE 96 

HE  STRUCK  HIM  A  SWINGING  RIGHT  ARM  BLOW  TELA.T  SENT 

HIM  PLUNGING  AMONG   THE  RUSHES  ON  THE  FLOOR  .    .         241 


BEATRIX  OF   CLARE 
I 

RuBDY  Tresses  and  Grey  Eyes 

Two  archers  stepped  out  into  the  path — shafts 
notched  and  bows  up. 

*'  A  word  with  your  worship,"  said  one. 

The  Knight  whirled  around. 

"  A  word  with  your  worship,"  greeted  him  from 
the  rear. 

He  glanced  quickly  to  each  side. 

"  A  word  with  your  worship,"  met  him  there. 

He  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  sat  down  on  the 
limb  of  a  fallen  tree.  Resistance  was  quite  useless, 
with  no  weapon  save  a  dagger,  and  no  armor  but  silk 
and  velvet. 

"  The  unanimity  of  your  desires  does  me  much 
honor,"  he  said ;  "  pray  proceed." 

The  leader  lowered  his  bow. 

"  It  is  a  great  pleasure  to  meet  you,  Sir  Aymer  de 
Lacy,"  said  he,  "  and  particularly  to  be  received  so 
graciously." 

"  You  know  me  ?  " 

"  We  saw  you  arrive  yesterday — but  there  were 
so  many  with  you  we  hesitated  to  ask  a  quiet  word 
aside." 

The  Knight  smiled.    "  It  is  unfortunate — I  assure 

9 


10  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

jou  my  talk  would  have  been  much  more  interesting 
then." 

"  In  that  case  it  is  we  who  are  the  losers." 

De  Lacy  looked  him  over  carefully. 

"  Pardieu,  man,"  said  he,  "  your  language  shames 
your  business." 

The  outlaw  bowed  with  sweeping  grace. 

"  My  thanks,  my  lord,  my  deepest  thanks."  He 
unstrung  his  bow  and  leaned  upon  the  stave;  a  fine 
figure  in  forest  green  and  velvet  bonnet,  a  black 
mask  over  eyes  and  nose,  a  generous  mouth  and 
strong  chin  below  it.  "  Will  your  worship  favor 
me  with  your  dagger  ?  "  he  said. 

The  Knight  tossed  it  to  him. 

"  Thank  you  .  .  .  .  a  handsome  bit  of  crafts- 
manship ....  these  stones  are  true  ones,  n'est 
ce  pas?  " 

"  If  they  are  not,  I  was  cheated  in  the  price,"  De 
Lacy  laughed. 

The  other  examined  it  critically. 

"  Methinks  you  were  not  cheated,"  he  said,  and 
drew  it  through  his  belt.  "  And  would  your  lord- 
ship also  permit  me  a  closer  view  of  the  fine  gold 
chain  that  hangs  around  your  neck  ?  " 

De  Lacy  took  it  off  and  flung  it  over. 

"  It  I  will  warrant  true,"  he  said. 

The  outlaw  weighed  the  links  in  his  hand,  then  bit 
one  testingly. 

**  So  will  I,"  said  he,  and  dropped  the  chain  in  his 
pouch. 


RUDDY  TRESSES  11 

*'  And  the  ring  with  the  ruby — it  is  a  ruby,  is  it 
not? — may  I  also  examine  it?     ....    I  am  very 

fond  of  rubies Thank  you ;  you  are  most 

obliging It  seems  to  be  an  especially  fine 

stone — and  worth  ....  how  many  rose  nobles 
would  you  say,  my  lord?  " 

"  I  am  truly  sorry  I  cannot  aid  you  there,"  De 
Lacy  answered ;  "  being  neither  a  merchant  nor  a 
robber,  I  have  never  reckoned  its  value." 

The  other  smiled.  "  Of  course,  by  *  merchant,' 
your  worship  has  no  reference  to  my  good  comrades 
nor  myself." 

"  None  whatever,  I  assure  you." 

"  Thank  you ;  I  did  not  think  you  would  be  so 
discourteous But  touching  money  re- 
minds me  that  doubtless  there  is  some  such  about 
you — ^perhaps  you  will  permit  me  to  count  it  for 
you." 

The  Knight  drew  out  a  handful  of  coins.  "  Will 
you  have  them  one  by  one  or  all  together? "  he 
asked. 

"  All  together ;  on  the  turf  beside  you,  if  you 

please Thank  you And  do 

you  know,  Sir  Aymer,  I  am  vastly  taken  with  the 
short  gown  of  velvet  and  sable — you  brought  it  from 
France,  I  assume;  the  fashion  smacks  of  the  Con- 
tinent. I  would  like  much  to  have  your  opinion  as 
to  how  it  looks  on  me — we  are  rather  of  a  size,  I 
take  it — though  I  shall  have  to  forego  the  pleasure 
of  the  opinion  until  another  day And 


1«  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

now  that  I  can  see  your  doublet,  I  am  enamoured 
also  of  it — will  you  lend  it  to  me  for  a  little  while? 
Truly,  my  lord,  I  mind  never  to  have  seen  a  hand- 
somer, or  one  that  caught  my  fancy  more." 

De  Lacy  looked  again  at  the  archers  and  their 
ready  bows. 

"  St.  Denis,  fellow,"  he  said,  "  leave  me  enough 
clothes  to  return  to  the  castle." 

"God  forbid,"  exclaimed  the  bandit,  "that  I 
should  put  a  gallant  gentleman  to  any  such  embar- 
rassment— ^but  you  must  admit  it  were  a  shame  to 
have  gown  and  doublet  and  yet  no  bonnet  to  match 
them " 

The  Knight  took  it  off  and  sent  it  spinning  to- 
ward him. 

"  Note  the  feather,"  he  said.  "  It  is  rarely  long 
and  heavy." 

"  I  observed  that  yesterday,"  was  the  merry 
response. 

"  Is  there  anything  else  about  me  you  care  for.?  " 
De  Lacy  asked. 

**  Nothing — ^unless  you  could  give  me  your  rarely 
generous  disposition.  Methinks  I  never  met  a  more 
obliging  gentleman." 

The  Knight  arose.  "  Then,  as  I  am  already  over- 
due at  Windsor,  I  shall  give  you  good  morning." 

The  archer  raised  his  hand. 

"  I  am  sorry,  my  lord,  but  we  must  impose  a 
trifle  further  on  your  good  nature  and  ask  you  to 
remain  here  a  while,'*  and  he  nodded  to  the  man 


RUDDY  TRESSES  18 

beside  him,  who  drew  a  thin  rope  from  his  pouch 
and  came  forward. 

De  Lacy  started  back — the  leveled  arrows  met  him 
on  every  side. 

"  You  would  not  bind  me !  "  he  exclaimed. 

The  outlaw  bowed  again. 

"  It  grieves  me  to  the  heart  to  do  it,  but  we  have 
pressing  business  elsewhere  and  must  provide  against 
pursuit.     Some  one  will,  I  hope,  chance  upon  you 

before  night Proceed,  James — yonder 

beech  will  answer." 

The  Knight  laughed. 

"  I  thank  you  for  the  hope,"  he  said — and,  throw- 
ing his  body  into  the  blow,  smashed  the  rogue  with 
the  rope  straight  on  the  chin-point,  and  leaping 
over  him  closed  with  the  leader. 

It  was  done  so  quickly  and  in  such  positions  that 
the  others  dared  not  shoot  lest  they  strike  either 
James  or  their  chief — but  the  struggle  was  only  for 
a  moment;  for  they  sprang  in  and  dragged  the 
Knight  away,  and  whipped  the  rope  about  his  arms. 

*'  Marry,"  exclaimed  the  leader,  brushing  the  dirt 
from  his  clothes,  "  I  am  sorry  they  did  not  let  us 
have  the  wrestle  out — though  you  are  a  quick  hitter, 
my  lord,  and  powerful  strong  in  the  arms.  I  wager 
you  showed  James  more  stars  than  he  ever  knew 
existed." 

James,  still  dazed,  was  struggling  to  get  up,  and 
one  of  the  others  gave  him  a  hand. 

"  By  St.  Hubert,"  he  growled,  rubbing  his  head 


14  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

in  pain  and  scowling  at  De  Lacy,  "  if  there  be  more 
I  have  no  wish  to  see  them." 

In  the  fight  De  Lacy's  forearm  had  struck  the 
point  of  his  own  dagger,  where  it  protruded  below 
the  brigand's  belt,  and  the  blood  was  scarleting  the 
white  sleeve  of  his  tunic. 

The  leader  came  over  and  bared  the  wound. 

"  It  is  a  clean  gash,  my  lord,"  he  said,  "  but  will 
need  a  bandage."  He  drew  a  bow-cord  around  the 
arm  above  the  elbow ;  then,  "  With  your  permission," 
carefully  cut  away  the  sleeve  and  deftly  bound  up 
the  hurt. 

De  Lacy  watched  him  curiously. 

'*  You  are  a  charming  outlaw,"  he  observed ;  "  a 
skillful  surgeon — and  I  fancy,  if  you  so  cared,  you 
could  claim  a  gentle  birth." 

The  man  stepped  back  and  looked  him  in  the  eyes 
a  moment. 

**  If  I  remove  the  bonds,  will  you  give  me  your 
Knightly  word  to  remain  here,  speaking  to  no  one 
until  ....  the  sun  has  passed  the  topmost 
branch  of  yonder  oak  ?  " 

The  Knight  bowed. 

"  That  I  will,  and  thank  you  for  the  courtesy." 

At  a  nod  the  rope  was  loosed,  and  the  next  instant 
the  outlaws  had  vanished  in  the  forest — ^but  De 
Lacy's  cloak  lay  at  his  feet,  flung  there  by  the 
chief  himself. 

"  St.  Denis ! "  De  Lacy  marveled,  "  has  Robin 
Hood  returned  to  the  flesh  ?  " 


RUDDY  TRESSES  15 

Then  he  looked  at  the  sun,  and  resumed  his  seat 
on  the  fallen  tree. 

"  A  pretty  mess,"  he  mused — "  a  stranger  in  Eng- 
land— my  first  day  at  Windsor  and  the  jest  of  the 

castle Stripped  like  a  jowly  tradesman 

.  .  .  .  taken  like  a  cooing  babe  ....  purse- 
less  ....  daggerless  ....  bonnetless 
....  doubletless — aye,  naked,  but  for  an  outlaw's 
generosity  ....  cut  by  ray  own  weapon  " — 
he  held  up  his  hand  and  looked  at  the  abraded 
knuckles — "  and  that  is  all  the  credit  I  have  to  show 

— the  mark  of  a  caitiff's  chin Methinks 

I  am  fit  only  for  the  company  of  children." 

He  glanced  again  at  the  sun — it  seemed  not  to 
have  moved  at  all — ^then  sat  in  moody  silence ;  the 
wound  was  smarting  now,  and  he  frowned  at  it  every 

time  it  gave  an  extra  twinge Would  the 

sun  never  move?  ....  He  got  up  and  paced 
back  and  forth,  his  eyes  on  the  oak  at  every  turn — 
truly  that  tree  was  growing  higher  every  minute — 

or  the  sun  was  sinking Not  that  he  was 

in  haste  to  return  to  Windsor There 

would  be  a  fine  tale  to  tell  there — no  need  to  speed 
to  it — it  would  speed  to  him  quite  soon  enough. 
....  But  to  get  away  from  the  accursed  place — 
anywhere  ....  back  to  Windsor  even  .... 
what  if  some  one  found  him  here  in  this  plight — and 
he  not  allowed  to  speak — unable  to  explain — dumb 

as  that  oak Would  the  sun  never  move ! 

The  wound  was  stinging  sharply,  and  the  arm  above 


16  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

the  cord  was  turning  black  and  swelling  fast — the 
pressure  must  come  off.  He  felt  for  his  dagger; 
then  flung  out  an  imprecation,  and  tried  to  tear  the 
cord  asunder  with  his  teeth.  It  was  quite  futile ;  it 
was  sunk  now  so  deep  in  the  flesh  he  could  not 
seize  it — and  the  knots  were  drawn  too  tight  to 
loose Would  the  sun  never  move! 

He  fell  to  searching  for  a  stone — a  small  one  with 
an  edge  that  could  reach  in  and  rasp  the  deer-hide 
cord    apart — ^but    vainly ;    though    he    tried    many, 

only  to  leave  his  arm  torn  and  bleeding 

Yet  at  last  the  sun  had  moved — it  was  up  among 
the  thinner  branches. 

Of  a  sudden,  back  in  the  forest  rose  the  deep 
bay  of  a  mastiff  ....  and  presently  again — 
and  nearer  ....  and  a  third  time — and  still 
nearer  ....  and  then  down  the  path  came 
the  great  tawny  dog,  tail  arched  forward,  head  up — 
and  behind  him  a  bay  horse,  a  woman  in  the  saddle. 

"  Down,  Rollo,  down ! "  she  cried,  as  the  mastiff 

sprang  ahead "  Beside  me,  sir !  "  and  the 

dog  whirled  instantly  and  obeyed. 

De  Lacy  bethought  himself  of  his  cloak,  and 
hurrying  to  where  it  lay  he  tried  to  fling  it  around 
his  shoulders,  but  with  only  one  hand  and  his  haste 
he  managed  badly  and  it  slipped  off  and  fell  to  the 
ground.  As  he  seized  it  again  the  horse  halted 
behind  him. 

"  You  are  wounded,  sir,"  she  said ;  "  permit  me 
to  aid  you." 


SHE  SEVERED  THE   CORD  WITH  A   TOUCH  OF  HER  BODKIN 


RUDDY  TRESSES  17 

He  turned  slowly,  bowing  as  he  did  so — ^he  dared 
not  speak — then  glanced  up,  and  almost  spoke  in 
sheer  amazement,  as  he  beheld  the  slender  figure  in 
green  velvet — ^the  sweet,  bow-shaped  mouth,  the 
high-bred,  sensitive  nose,  the  rounded  chin,  the  tiny 
ear,  the  soft,  deep  grey  eyes,  and,  crowning  all,  the 
great  rolls  of  the  auburn  hair  that  sunbeams  spin  to 
gold. 

"  Come,  sir,"  said  she,  "  I  stopped  to  aid  you,  not 
to  be  stared  at." 

De  Lacy  flushed  and  made  to  speak,  then  checked 
himself,  and  with  another  bow  held  up  his  arm  and 
motioned  for  her  to  cut  the  cord. 

"  Merciful  Mother !  "  she  exclaimed,  and  severed 
it  with  a  touch  of  her  bodkin. 

The  blood  flooded  fiercely  forward  and  the  wound 
began  to  bleed  afresh. 

"  The  bandage  needs  adjusting — come,"  and 
slipping  from  saddle  she  tossed  the  rein  to  the  dog 
and  went  over  to  the  fallen  tree.  "  Sit  down,"  she 
ordered. 

With  a  smile  De  Lacy  obeyed;  as  yet  she  did  not 

seem  to  note  his  silence.     And  it  was  very  pleasant 

indeed — the  touch  of  her  slim  fingers  on  his  bare 

arm — the  perfume  of  her  hair  as  she  bent  over  the 

work — the  quick  upward   glance   at  times  of  her 

grey  eyes   questioning  if  she  hurt  him.      He  was 

sorry  now  there  were  not  a  dozen  wounds  for  her 

to  dress. 

"  There,  that  will  suffice  until  you  get  proper 
2 


18  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

attendance,"  she  said,  tying  the  last  knot  and  tuck- 
ing under  the  ends. 

He  took  her  hand  and  bowing  would  have  kissed 
it;  but  she  drew  it  away  sharply  and  turned  to  her 
horse.  Then  she  stopped  and  looked  at  him  in 
sudden  recollection. 

"  Parbleu,  man,  where  is  your  tongue  ? "  she 
demanded.     "  You  had  one  last  night." 

Where  she  had  seen  him  he  did  not  know ;  he  had 
not  seen  her — and  it  only  tangled  the  matter  the 
more,  for  now  she  would  know  he  was  not  dumb. 
But  how  to  explain? 

He  smiled  and  bowed. 

"  That  is  the  sixth  time  I  have  got  a  bow  when  a 
word  was  due,"  she  said.  "  There  may  be  a  language 
of  genuflections,  but  I  do  not  know  it." 

He  bowed  again. 

"  Seven,"  she  counted ;  "  the  perfect  number — 
stop  with  it." 

He  put  his  hand  to  his  lips  and  shook  his  head  in 
negation — then  pointed  to  the  sun  and  the  tree,  and 
shook  his  head  again — then  once  more  to  the  sun 
and  slowly  upward  to  the  top  of  the  tree,  and 
nodded  in  affirmation. 

She  watched  him  with  a  puzzled  frown. 

"  Are  you  trying  to  tell  me  why  you  do  not 
speak .''  "  she  asked. 

He  nodded  eagerly. 

"  Tell  me  again  "  .  .  .  .  and  she  studied  his 
motions  carefully "  The  sun  and  the  tree 


RUDDY  TRESSES  19 

— and  the  sun  and  the  tree  again  ....  is  that 
your  meaning?  ....  Ah!  ....  the  top 
of  the  tree  ....  I  think  I  am  beginning  to 
understand Where  is  your  doublet  ?  " 

De  Lacy  pointed  into  the  forest. 

"  And  your  bonnet  ?  .  .  .  .  with  your  doub- 
let.? .  .  .  .  and  your  dagger.'*  ....  gone 
with  the  others?  ....  you  mean  your  ring? 
and  it  went  with  them,  too?  .... 
yes,  yes — I  see  now — outlaws,  and  your  wound  got  in 
the  struggle."     ....     She  turned  toward  the 

tree "  Ah !  I  have  it : — you  are  paroled 

to  silence  until  the  sun  has  risen  above  the  highest 
branch  ....  what?  ....  and  also  must 
remain  here  until  then  ?....!  see — it  was  that 
or  die  ....  no  ?  ...  .  Oh !  that  or  be 
bound?  ....  well,  truly  the  knaves  were 
wondrous  courteous ! "  .  .  .  .  She  studied  De 
Lacy's  face  a  moment — then  sat  down.  "  Would 
you  like  company  ?  "  she  asked. 

Would  he  like  company  !    Her  company  ! 

She  laughed  gayly — though  a  bit  of  color  touched 
her  cheek. 

"  Thank  you,"  she  said,  "  I  can  read  your  coun- 
tenance better  than  your  bows." 

Then  suddenly  his  face  grew  grave  and  he  mo- 
tioned no. 

"  Yes,  and  I  can  understand  that,  too,"  she  smiled, 
"  and  thank  you  for  it.  It  may  be  a  trifle  uncom- 
mon to  sit  here  in  the  depths  of  Windsor  forest  with 


20  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

a  man  I  never  met  ....  never  even  saw  until 
last  night  ....  and  who  has  never  spoken  a 
single  word  to  me  ...  .  yet "  ( glancing  at 
the  sun)  "  the  time  is  not  long  and  ....  the 
path  is  rarely  traveled." 

He  smiled — but  the  concern  lingered  in  his  eyes 
and  he  shook  his  head  questioningly. 

"  Nay,  sir,  do  you  not  see  your  very  urging  me 
to  go  proves  me  safe  in  staying?  " 

He  hesitated,  still  doubtful — then  threw  himself 
on  the  turf  at  her  feet. 

"  I  suppose  it  is  for  me  to  do  the  talking,"  she 
observed. 

And  as  she  talked  he  fell  to  watching  the  sun  in 
her  hair — the  play  of  her  lips — the  light  in  her  eyes. 
.  .  .  .  Never  before  would  he  have  believed  that 
grey  could  be  so  deep  and  tender ;  or  that  a  mouth 
could  be  so  tantalizing;  or  the  curve  of  a  cheek  so 

sweet;  or  ruddy  tresses  so  alluring And 

her  voice — was  there  ever  such  another! — soft,  low, 
clear,  like  silver  bells  at  twilight  out  at  sea. 

And  in  the  watching  he  lost  her  words,  nor  nodded 
when  he  should — until,  at  length,  she  sprang  up  and 
went  over  to  her  horse.  And  when  in  sharp  contri- 
tion he  followed  after  to  apologize,  she  met  him 
with  a  laugh  and  gracious  gesture — then  pointed  to 
the  sun. 

"  The  parole  is  lifted,"  she  said.  "  Will  you  put 
me  up  ?  " 

With  his  sound  arm  he  swung  her  into  saddle-^ 


RUDDY  TRESSES  «1 

and  with  RoUo  in  advance  and  him  beside  her  they 
went  slowly  back  to  Windsor.  And  now  he  did  the 
talking — telling  first  the  story  of  the  outlaws. 

When  the  towers  of  the  huge  castle  showed  afar 
through  the  trees,  De  Lacy  halted. 

"  Would  you  deem  me  rude  if  I  went  no  further 
with  you.''  "  he  asked. 

She  smiled  kindly.  "  On  the  contrary,  I  would 
deem  you  very  wise." 

"  I  care  not  to  proclaim  my  adventure  with  the 
outlaws.  It  would  make  me  a  merry  jest  in  the 
haU." 

"  I  understand — and  yet,  wounded  and  without 
bonnet  or  doublet,  you  will  not  pass  unnoted;  an 
explanation  will  be  obligatory." 

"  The  wound  is  easy,"  he  said ;  "  my  own  dagger 
made  it,  you  remember — but  the  doublet  and  bonnet, 
particularly  the  doublet,  are  bothersome." 

She  looked  at  him  with  quick  decision. 

"  I  will  manage  that,"  she  said ;  "  your  squire 
shall  bring  both  to  you  here." 

De  Lacy's  face  lighted  with  sudden  pleasure,  and 
he  put  out  his  hand  toward  hers — then  drew  it 
sharply  back  and  bowed. 

"  Still  bowing.''  "  she  said  naively. 

"  I  have  no  words  to  speak  my  gratitude,"  he  said. 

"  And  I  no  ears  that  wish  to  hear  them,  if  you 
had,"  she  laughed.  "  This  morning  you  have  had 
much  trouble — I  much  pleasure — the  scales  are  bal- 
anced— ^the  accounts  canceled.     We  will  forget  it 


ftSt  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

all.  Never  will  I  mention  it  to  you — nor  you  to 
me — nor  either  to  another.     When  we  meet  again 

it  will  be  as  though  to-day  had  never  been 

Nay,  sir,  it  must  be  so.  You  have  been  unfortu- 
nate, I  unconventional — it  is  best  for  both  we  start 
afresh." 

"  But  am  I  not  even  to  know  your  name.?  "  he 
protested. 

She  shook  her  head.  "  Not  even  that,  now,  and  I 
ask  your  word  not  to  seek  to  know  it — until  we  meet 
again." 

"  You  have  it,"  said  he,  *'  until  we  meet  again — 
to-morrow." 

She  smiled  vaguely.  "  It  will  be  a  far  to-morrow 
.  .  .  .  good-bye,  my  lord,"  and  rode  away — 
then  turned.    "  Wait  for  your  squire,"  she  called. 

*'  And  for  to-morrow,"  he  cried. 

But  she  made  no  answer,  and  with  a  wave  of  her 
hand  was  gone,  the  dog  leaping  in  front  of  her  and 
baying  loud  with  joy. 


n 

Richard  of  Gloucester 

But  the  morrow  brought  no  maid,  nor  a  fortnight 
of  morrows — she  had  vanished ;  and  seek  as  he  might 
at  Windsor  or  through  the  Tower  he  could  not 
find  her.  Had  he  been  privileged  to  inquire  the 
quest  would  have  been  ended  by  a  word — but  she  her- 
self had  closed  his  lips  to  questions. 

Then  the  mighty  Edward  died,  and  all  was  con- 
fusion in  the  Court;  and  what  with  the  funeral,  the 
goings  and  the  comings,  the  plottings  and  the  in- 
trigues, De  Lacy  was  in  a  maze.  The  boy  King 
was  at  Ludlow  with  Rivers,  and  it  was  Nobility 
against  Queen  and  Woodville  until  he  came  for  his 
crowning.  And  in  the  turmoil  De  Lacy  was  forced 
to  cease,  for  the  nonce,  the  pursuit  of  ruddy 
tresses  and  grey  eyes,  and  choose  where  he  would 
stand.  And  presently  that  choice  sent  him  riding 
into  the  North — bearing  a  message  to  the  man  in 
distant  Pontefract,  upon  whom,  at  that  moment,  all 
England  was  waiting  and  who,  as  yet,  had  made  no 
move,  Richard  of  Gloucester. 

The  day  was  far  spent,  and  before  a  fireplace  in 
his  private  apartments  Richard  sat  alone,  in  heavy 
meditation.  The  pale,  clean-shaven,  youthful  face, 
with  Its  beautiful  mouth  and  straight  Norman  nose, 

23 


24  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

and  the  short,  slender  figure  in  its  mantle  and 
doublet  of  black  velvet  furred  with  ermine,  rich  under 
tunic  of  white  satin,  tight-fitting  hose  of  silk,  and 
dark  brown  hair  hanging  bushy  to  the  shoulders, 
would  have  been  almost  effeminate  but  for  the  mas- 
sively majestic  forehead  and  the  fierce  black  eyes — 
brilliant,  compelling,  stern,  proud — that  flashed 
forth  the  mighty  soul  within. 

Although  he  had  just  passed  his  thirtieth  year, 
yet  his  fame  was  as  wide  as  the  domain  of  chivalry, 
and  his  name  a  thing  to  conjure  with  in  England. 
Bom  in  an  age  when  almost  as  children  men  of  rank 
and  station  were  called  upon  to  take  their  sires' 
place,  Richard  had  been  famed  for  his  wisdom  and 
statecraft  before  the  years  when  the  period  of  youth 
is  now  presumed  to  begin.  At  the  age  of  eighteen 
he  had  led  the  flower  of  the  Yorkist  army  at  the 
great  battles  of  Barnet  and  Tewkesbury,  and  not 
the  dauntless  Edward  himself,  then  in  the  heyday  of 
his  prowess,  was  more  to  be  feared  than  the  slight 
boy  who  swept  with  inconceivable  fury  through  the 
Lancastrian  line,  carrying  death  on  his  lance-point 
and  making  the  Boar  of  Gloucester  forever  famous 
in  English  heraldry.  And  since  then  his  hauberk 
had  scarce  been  off  his  back,  and  while  his  royal 
brother  was  dallying  in  a  life  of  indulgence  amid 
the  dissipations  of  his  Court,  the  brave  and  reso- 
lute Richard  was  leading  his  armies,  administering 
his  governments,  and  preserving  order  on  tb» 
Marches  of  the  Border. 


RICHARD  OF  GLOUCESTER  25 

Presently  there  was  a  sharp  knock  on  the  door  and 
a  page  entered. 

"  Well?  "  demanded  the  Duke  abruptly. 

"  May  It  please  you,  my  lord,"  said  the  boy ;  "  a 
messenger  of  importance  who  desires  immediate 
audience." 

Richard  frowned  slightly. 

"  Whose  badge  does  he  wear  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  No  one's,  my  lord,  but  the  fashion  of  his  armor 
savors  of  the  Court.  He  bade  me  announce  him  as 
Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy." 

"  The  name,  boy,  is  better  recommendation  than 
any    fashion.      Admit   him." 

De  Lacy  crossed  to  the  center  of  the  apartment 
with  easy  grace,  and  after  a  deep  obeisance  stood 
erect  and  silent  facing  the  Duke,  who  eyed  him 
critically.  A  trifle  over  the  average  height  and 
rather  slender,  and  clad  in  complete  mail  except 
for  the  bascinet  which  he  carried  in  his  hand,  there 
was  something  in  his  appearance  and  bearing  that 
impressed  even  the  warlike  Richard.  His  dark  hair 
hung  in  curls  to  his  gorget.  His  hauberk  of  pol- 
ished steel  was  but  partially  concealed  by  the  jupon 
of  azure  silk  emblazoned  with  a  silver  stag  trippant ; 
his  cuissarts  and  greaves  glistened  in  the  firelight, 
and  his  long  sollerets  bore  on  their  heels  the  golden 
spurs  of  his  rank.  Around  his  waist  was  a  broad 
belt  wrought  in  gold,  and  from  II,  almost  In  front, 
hung  a  great  two-handed  sword  whose  point  reached 
to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  floor. 


26  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  You  are  welcome,"  said  Gloucester.  "  A  De 
Lacy  should  ever  find  a  ready  greeting  at  Ponte- 
f ract.    Of  what  branch  of  the  family  are  you  ?  " 

"  One  far  removed  from  that  which  built  this 
fortress,  most  noble  Duke,"  returned  the  Knight, 
with  a  peculiarly  soft  accent.  "  My  own  ancestor 
was  but  distantly  connected  with  the  last  great 
Earl  of  Lincoln  whom  the  First  Edward  loved  so 
well." 

"  I  do  not  recall  your  name  among  those  who 
fought  for  either  York  or  Lancaster.  Did  your 
family  wear  the  White  Rose  or  the  Red  ?  " 

*'  Neither,"  said  De  Lacy.  "  Providence  removed 
my  sire  ere  the  fray  began  aright  and  when  I  was 
but  a  child  in  arms.  When  Your  Grace  won  fame 
at  Tewkesbury  I  had  but  turned  my  thirteenth 
year." 

"  Where  is  your  family  seat  ?  " 

"  At  Gaillard  Castle  in  the  shire  of  Leicester, 
close  by  the  River  Weak — or  at  least  it  stood  there 
when  last  I  saw  it.  It  is  ten  long  years  since  I 
crossed  its  drawbridge  and  not  twelve  months  of  my 
life  have  been  spent  within  its  walls." 

**  Your  accent  smacks  of  a  Southern  sun,"  said  the 
Duke. 

"  My  mother  was  of  a  French  house,  and  to  her 
own  land  she  took  me  when  my  father  died ; "  and, 
observing  the  Duke  glance  at  his  spurs,  he  added: 
"  It  was  from  France's  Constable  that  I  received 
the  accolade." 


RICHARD  OF  GLOUCESTER  27 

"  Then  right  well  did  you  deserve  it ;  St.  Pol  gave 
no  unearned  honors." 

"  I  was  favored  much  beyond  my  deserts,"  De 
Lacy  replied,  although  his  face  flushed  at  a  compli- 
ment from  the  renowned  Gloucester. 

"  Your  modesty  but  proves  your  merit,"  returned 

the  Duke "  And  now  your  message. 

From  whom  come  you  ?  " 

"  From  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  my  lord,"  said 
De  Lacy ;  and  the  keen  look  that  accompanied  the 
words  did  not  escape  the  Prince.  But  De  Lacy  did 
not  know  the  man  before  whom  he  stood,  else  would 
he  have  wasted  no  energy  in  any  such  attempt.  As 
well  try  to  read  the  visage  of  a  granite  cliff  as 
to  discover  the  thoughts  of  Richard  Plantagenet 
from  the  expression  of  his  face.  And  if  the  royal 
Duke  were  in  aught  concerned  as  to  the  communi- 
cation of  the  powerful  Buckingham,  there  was  no 
evidence  of  It  in  his  voice  or  in  the  eminently  cour- 
teous and  appropriate  question  as  he  instantly 
responded : 

"  How  did  you  leave  His  Grace  and  where  ?  " 

"  He  was  most  hearty  when  we  parted  at  Glouces- 
ter ;  he  for  his  castle  of  Brecknock  and  I  for  Ponte- 
fract." 

*'  He  had  been  in  London .''  " 

"  Yes,  my  lord,  since  before  King  Edward's  de- 
mise." 

*'  Then  are  his  letters  very  welcome." 

"  Your  pardon,  sir,"  said  De  Lacy,  "  but  I  bear 


28  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

no  letters ; "  and  as  Richard  regarded  him  in  sharp 
interrogation  he  added :  "  My  message  is  by  word  of 
mouth." 

"  And  why,"  said  the  Duke  in  the  same  calm  tone 
he  had  employed  throughout  the  conversation, 
"  should  I  credit  your  story,  seeing  that  I  neither 
know  you  nor  recall  your  silver  trippant  stag  among 
the  present  devices  of  our  land." 

"  My  bearing,"  returned  De  Lacy  tranquilly, 
"  comes  to  me  from  my  mother's  family,  of  which 
she  was  the  heiress,  and  on  English  battlefield  it  has 
never  shone.  And  unless  this  ring  attest  the  au- 
thority of  my  message  it  must  be  unsaid,"  and 
drawing  from  his  finger  a  broad  gold  band,  in  which 
was  set  a  great  flat  emerald  with  a  swan  exquisitely 
cut  on  its  face,  he  handed  it  to  the  Duke. 

Richard  examined  it  for  a  moment,  then  returned 
it  with  a  smile. 

"  You  are  suflSciently  accredited,"  he  said.  "  I 
will  hear  your  message.    What  said  Stafford.''  " 

"  The  Duke  of  Buckingham,"  replied  Aymer, 
"  sends  to  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  his  most  humble 
greeting  and  his  very  sincere  condolence  upon  the 
death  of  Your  Grace's  great  brother  and  sire." 

"  Pass  over  the  formalities.  Sir  Aymer,"  inter- 
rupted the  Duke  curtly.  "  It  was  scarce  for  them 
you  rode  from  London  to  Pontefract." 

Aymer  bowed.  "  Buckingham's  message  was  in 
these  words :  *  Tell  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  to  hasten 
to  London  without  delay.    I  have  conferred  with  th< 


RICHARD  OF  GLOUCESTER  29 

Lords  Howard,  Hastings,  and  Stanley,  and  we  are 
of  the  one  mind  that  he  must  be  Lord  Protector. 
Tell  him  we  pledge  to  him  our  whole  support  if  he 
will  give  us  his  countenance  in  this  crucial  struggle 
against  the  Woodvilles,'  " 

"  Did  he  say  nothing  as  to  the  present  status  of 
the  situation  ?  "  inquired  Gloucester  quietly.  "  I  am 
far  from  Court  and  know  little  of  its  happenings." 

"  With  them,  my  lord,  I  am  fully  acquainted," 
said  De  Lacy,  "  both  from  my  own  observation  and 
by  the  Duke  himself." 

*'  How  stands  the  matter,  then .''  " 

"  Rather  favorable  to  the  Queen's  faction  than 
otherwise.  The  King's  coronation  has  been  fixed 
for  the  first  Lord's  Day  of  the  coming  month  and 
His  Majesty  is  to  be  escorted  from  Ludlow  by  two 
thousand  men.  The  Marquis  of  Dorset  has  seized 
the  treasure  in  the  Tower  and  Sir  Edward  Wood- 
ville  has  been  tampering  with  the  navy,  and  me- 
thinks  not  without  result.  The  Queen  and  the  whole 
family  are  catering  to  the  populace  and  spare  no 
effort  to  win  their  favor.  Only  action  sharp  and 
sudden  will  enable  the  Barons  to  prevail." 

For  a  moment  Gloucester  made  no  response,  but 
sat  with  his  head  bent  upon  his  bosom,  as  was  his 
habit  when  in  thought.    Presently  he  said : 

*'  How  do  you  know  that  the  King's  escort  will 
number  two  thousand?  " 

"  The  Council  so  fixed  it,  and  very  much  against 
the  wishes  of  the  Queen," 


30  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  She  wanted  more,  I  doubt  not,"  said  the  Duke 
meditatively. 

*'  She  long  held  that  less  than  five  thousand  would 
not  be  fitting  the  dignity  of  a  King." 

Gloucester  looked  up  with  a  trace  of  a  smile 
around  his  eyes. 

"  Will  the  Earl  of  Rivers  accompany  his 
nephew?  "  he  asked. 

"  It  was  so  reported  to  His  Grace  of  Bucking- 
ham; and  further,  also,  that  they  would  not  start 
from  Ludlow  until  the  feast  of  St.  George  had 
passed." 

"  Did  Stafford  advise  no  plan  in  case  I  fell 
in  with  his  desires  ?  " 

"  None.  The  lords  will  follow  whatever  course 
you  fix.    All  that  they  urge  is  haste." 

"  How  long  does  Buckingham  remain  at  Breck- 
nock?" 

**  Until  he  receive  word  from  you — or  failing 
in  that,  until  there  be  but  time  sufficient  to  reach 
London   for  the  coronation." 

"  Was  it  his  purpose  that  you  should  carry  my 
answer? " 

"  Nay,  my  lord  Duke,"  said  De  Lacy.  "  Here 
ends  my  mission  for  Buckingham.  It  was  but  as 
friend  for  friend  that  I  bore  this  message.  I  am  not 
of  his  household  nor  was  it  his  business  that  brought 
me  here." 

"  What  brought  you  to  Pontefract  then,  Sir 
Knight? "   said   Richard   sternly.      "  As    Bucking- 


RICHARD  OF  GLOUCESTER  31 

ham's  messenger  jou  have  received  due  honor;  that 
aside,  your  name  alone  commends  you." 

"  I  sought  Pontefract,"  De  Lacy  replied,  "  for 
the  single  purpose  of  tendering  my  sword  to  the 
Duke  of  Gloucester,  hoping  in  his  service  to  brighten 
the  dimmed  lustre  of  my  House." 

Not  for  an  instant  did  the  searching  eyes  of 
Richard  leave  the  young  Knight's  face. 

"  Why  do  you  prefer  the  Boar  of  Gloucester  to 
the  Stafford  Knot?    Buckingham  is  most  puissant." 

"  A  De  Lacy,  my  lord,"  answered  Aymer  proudly, 
"  follows  none  but  Plantagenet." 

"  Bravely  spoken,"  said  Gloucester,  suddenly 
dropping  his  stern  air,  "  and  worthy  of  the  great 
name  you  bear.  I  accept  your  sword.  Nay,  kneel 
not,  sir;  Richard  Plantagenet  deems  himself  most 
fortunate  to  have  you  at  his  side." 

At  that  moment  the  arras  was  drawn  aside  and  a 
young  and  slender  woman  entered.  Her  gown  was 
black,  unrelieved  by  any  color,  save  the  girdle  of 
gold;  her  face  was  almost  flawless  in  its  symmetry; 
her  complexion  was  of  a  wondrous  whiteness;  and 
her  eyes,  of  the  deepest  blue,  soft  and  melting,  and 
shaded  by  lashes  long  and  heavy,  were  of  the  sort 
that  bespeak  the  utmost  confidence  and  know  no 
guile.  She  hesitated  as  she  saw  De  Lacy  and  was 
about  to  withdraw  when  the  Duke  glanced  around. 

"  Nay,  sweetheart,"  said  he,  rising  and  going  to- 
ward her ;  "  do  not  retire Sir  Aymer  de 

Lacy,  I  present  you  to  the  Duchess  of  Gloucester." 


8«  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

De  Lacy  advanced  and  sinking  upon  one  knee 
touched  his  Hps  to  the  hand  she  extended  to  him. 

"  Surely,  Sir  Knight,"  she  said,  in  a  voice  whose 
sweetness  struck  even  his  Southern-bred  ear,  "  a  De 
Lacy  should  ever  be  welcome  in  the  halls  of  Ponte- 
fract." 

"  Your  words,  most  gracious  lady,"  answered  Ay- 
mer,  "  are  almost  those  used  by  my  lord,  the  Duke, 
and  to  a  wanderer's  heart  they  are  very  grateful." 

**  You  are  an  errant,  then ;  a  Sir  Guy  or  Sir 
Lancelot,"  said  the  Duchess. 

"  Nay.  Only  a  poor  and  simple  Knight  whose 
highest  honor  is  that  he  may  henceforth  follow  the 
banner  of  your  great  husband." 

"  Then  must  hauberk  sit  easy  as  velvet  doublet  or 
I  know  not  my  lord,"  and  she  smiled  at  Richard. 

"  Do  not,"  said  he,  "  give  to  Sir  Aymer  the 
notion  that  he  has  notliing  but  hard  blows  before 
him — although,  indeed,  he  rode  hither  on  scarce  a 
peaceful  mission,  since  he  bears  from  Stafford  and 
the  Nobility  the  tender  of  the  Protectorship  and  the 
insistence  that  I  proceed  to  London  without  delay." 

As  he  spoke  the  face  of  the  Duchess  suddenly  be- 
came grave,  and  stepping  swiftly  to  his  side  she  put 
her  hand  upon  his  arm. 

"  You  will  not  go,  Richard.''  "  she  begged. 

"  Why,  sweetheart,  what  ails  you .''  Why  should 
a  journey  to  London  and  a  possible  exchange  of 
blows  alarm  you .''  " 

"  It   is    not    the   journey,    dear,"   she   answered. 


RICHARD  OF  GLOUCESTER  SS 

**  Many  a  time  have  you  taken  it ;  and,  for  the 
blows,  did  I  not  speed  you  to  the  Scottish  war  ?  Yet 
I  have  a  foreboding — nay,  smile  not,  my  lord! — 
that  upon  your  course  in  this  matter  hangs  not  only 
your  own  fate,  but  the  fate  of  Plantagenet  as  well. 
Accept  it  not,"  taking  his  hand  and  speaking  with 
deep  entreaty ;  "  the  Protectorship  can  add  nothing 
to  Richard  of  Gloucester,  and  it  may  work  not 
only  your  doom  but  that  of  the  great  House  of 
Anjou." 

"  Nay,  Anne,  you  are  ill,  surely,"  said  Richard, 
putting  his  arm  around  her.  "  What  has  put  such 
uncanny  notions  into  your  mind?  " 

"  I  do  not  know ;  yet  I  implore  you  to  humor  me  in 

this You  have  not  already  despatched 

an  answer  to  Buckingham  ?  "  she  suddenly  demanded. 

"  No — ^not  yet ;"  then  turned  sharply  to  De  Lacy. 
"  It  seems.  Sir  Aymer,  that  you  are  to  be  admitted 
to  my  confidence  as  well  as  to  Stafford's.  So  be  it, 
for  I  trust  you.  Yet,  believe  me,  it  is  well  sometimes 
to  forget." 

De  Lacy  bowed  low,  saying  simply,  "  I  have  for- 
gotten." 

"  Forgive  me,  Richard,"  said  the  Duchess.  "  My 
heart  so  ruled  my  head  that  I  quite  lost  myself." 

The  Duke  took  her  hand  and  pressed  it  affection- 
ately. "  Think  no  more  now  of  the  matter ;  we  will 
consider  it  to-morrow." 

"  And  you  will  make  no  decision  until  then .''  " 

"  None,  by  St.  Paul ! "  and  striking  the  bell  he 
3 


d4  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

ordered  the  page  to  summon  the  Duchess'  lady-in- 
waiting. 

In  a  moment  she  appeared:  a  slender  figure  in 
dark  blue  velvet,  with  ruddy  tresses  and  deep  grey 
eyes — the  maid  of  Windsor  Forest. 

De  Lacy  caught  his  breath  and  stood  staring,  like 
one  bereft  of  sense,  until  the  dropping  of  the  arras 
hid  her  from  his  sight.  Then  he  saw  Gloucester  re- 
garding him  with  a  smile. 

"  You  are  not  the  first,"  he  observed,  "  nor,  I 
warrant,  will  you  be  the  last." 

"  Her  name  ?  "  said  the  Knight  so  eagerly  the 
Duke  smiled  again. 

"  She  is  Beatrix  de  Beaumont,  in  her  own  right 
Countess  of  Clare,  and  save  our  own  dear  spouse  no 
sweeter  woman  lives." 

"  In  truth  do  I  believe  it ;  else  has  God  sent  a 
plague  upon  the  Nobles  of  England." 

"  If  disappointed  love  and  blasted  hopes  can  be 
so  reckoned,"  said  Richard  with  a  shrug,  "  then 
does  many  a  fair  lord  suffer  from  the  disease.  See 
that  you  do  not  become  affected  also." 

"  Nay,  my  lord  Duke,"  replied  Dc  Lacy ;  "  I 
know  better  than  to  allow  a  poor  Knight's  mind 
to  dwell  upon  the  charms  of  a  great  heiress — and 
she  the  Countess  of  Clare."  . 

"  Pardieu  !  "  said  Gloucester ;  "  be  not  so  humble. 
Your  birth  is  equal  to  her  own ;  it  was  only  for  your 
peace  of  mind,  I  cautioned  jou," 


in 

The  Voice  on  the  Ramparts 

On  quitting  the  Duke,  De  Lacy  dispatched  a  page 
for  his  squire  and  was  then  conducted  to  his  quarters 
on  the  floor  above. 

Tossing  his  gauntlets  and  bascinet  upon  the  high 
bed  that  stood  in  the  comer  near  the  door,  he  crossed 
to  the  small  deep  window  and  swung  back  the  sash. 
Below  him  lay  the  broad  bailey,  that  at  this  hour 
was  alive  with  the  servitors  and  retainers  of  the 
Duke.  Before  the  dwellings  against  the  inner  wall 
children  were  playing,  and  through  the  fading  light 
of  the  April  afternoon  rose  a  medley  of  sounds. 
From  the  direction  of  the  distant  gateway  sounded 
the  ring  of  steel-shod  hoofs,  and  presently  a  body  of 
horsemen  cantered  across  the  stone  pavement  and 
drew  rein  before  the  keep.  A  gruff  command  fol- 
lowed, and  just  as  the  rank  was  broken  and  the  sol- 
diery dispersed  the  sweet  tones  of  the  bell  of  All 
Saints'  Chapel  came  floating  over  the  walls. 

The  Knight  crossed  himself  instinctively,  and 
then,  leaning  on  the  ledge,  his  thoughts  turned  to  his 
family's  past  and  to  why  he,  though  of  the  blood  of 
one  of  the  Conqueror's  favorite  Barons,  was  a 
stranger  in  England. 

The  main  branch  of  the  House  of  Lacy,  once 

35 


36  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

so  powerful  in  Britain,  had  become  extinct  almost 
two  centuries  before;  and  although  Sir  Aymer's  an- 
cestor had  borne  an  honorable  part  in  the  wars  of 
the  Third  Edward  yet,  like  Chandos,  he  was  content 
to  remain  a  simple  banneret.  When  the  Second 
Richard  went  down  before  his  usurping  cousin,  the 
then  head  of  the  family  had  stood,  to  the  last,  true 
to  his  rightful  King ;  and  hence  it  was  small  wonder 
that  to  Sir  Richard  de  Lacy  the  atmosphere  of  the 
Court  of  the  new  Monarch  was  not  agreeable.  When 
Henry  of  Monmouth  brought  France  again  under 
English  rule.  Sir  Richard  rode  no  more  to  the  wars ; 
and  the  heir  being  but  an  infant,  his  retainers  were 
mustered  under  a  stranger's  banner.  During  the 
later  struggles  of  Bedford  and  of  Warwick  to  retain 
the  fast  relaxing  hold  of  England  upon  the  domains 
beyond  the  Channel,  the  then  Baron  had  done  his 
devoir  full  knightly,  but  it  is  not  in  a  losing  struggle 
that  families  win  advancement,  and,  to  the  last 
Lancastrian  King,  Sir  Edward  de  Lacy  was  not 
known.  Then  came  the  Wars  of  the  Roses  and,  ere 
Aymer's  sire  could  bind  the  White  Rose  to  his  hel- 
met, a  sudden  illness  stilled  his  hand  in  death;  and 
thus,  again,  had  the  House  lost  an  opportunity  to 
rise  in  fame  and  power.  Much  honor  had  Sir  Ay- 
mer  won  in  the  recent  small  wars  and  constant  fight- 
ings of  the  Continent,  and  in  the  right  of  his  moth- 
er's family  he  might  have  aspired  to  high  rank  at 
the  French  Court ;  but  Louis,  "  the  Fell,"  was  not  a 
warrior's  King,  nor  had  long  residence  in  a  foreign 


VOICE  ON  THE  RAMPARTS  37 

clime  bred  in  Sir  Aymer  f orgetf ulness  of  the  land  of 
his  birth. 

And  so,  at  length,  he  had  furled  his  pennon,  and 
followed  by  his  faithful  squire  and  a  few  of  his  re- 
tainers he  sought  the  Enghsh  Court.  And  with  him 
went  the  solemn  purpose  either  to  restore  the  once 
great  name  he  bore  to  its  place  among  the  chivalry 
of  England  or  to  let  it  perish  utterly  with  him. 
Within  a  few  weeks  of  his  arrival,  Edward's  sudden 
death  occurred,  and  he  had  been  quick  to  appreciate 
that  his  opportunity  lay  with  Gloucester  in  the 
North.  A  friendship  formed  with  the  Duke  of 
Buckingham  some  years  previous  in  Paris,  and  which 
had  been  renewed  in  London,  had  stood  him  in  good 
stead;  for  being  acquainted  with  De  Lacy's  purpose 
of  seeking  Pontefract,  Stafford  had  to  his  great 
satisfaction  made  him  his  confidential  messenger  in 
the  very  matter  which  was  then  so  near  to  Richard's 
heart. 

The  entry  of  the  squire  broke  in  on  the  Knight's 
thoughts,  and  he  turned  from  the  window. 

"  Make  haste,  Giles,"  said  he,  "  and  get  me  out  of 
this  steel." 

With  the  skill  of  long  practice  it  was  quickly 
done;  and  removing  the  suit  of  thin  yellow  leather 
worn  under  the  harness,  De  Lacy  donned  a  doublet 
and  short  gown  of  black  velvet,  and  then,  throwing 
himself  upon  the  bed,  he  awaited  the  summons  to  the 
evening  meal. 

Meanwhile,  the  squire  had  laid  aside  his  own  ar- 


38  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

mor  and  stood  forth  in  his  leather  suit  that  was 
creased  and  soiled  by  the  iron  weight. 

Giles  Dauvrey  was  no  fledgling  whose  apprentice- 
ship had  begun  among  the  dainty  pages  of  ray  lady's 
bower.  A  Gascon,  and  lowly  born,  he  was  a  simple 
man-at-arms  when,  in  a  small  affray  on  the  Italian 
border,  he  had  chanced  to  ward  from  Sir  Ayraer  de 
Lacy's  head  the  battle-axe  that,  falling  on  him  from 
behind,  must  else  have  cleft  him  to  the  gorget.  The 
young  Knight  had  thereupon  obtained  the  man's 
transfer  to  his  own  following  and — becoming  assured 
of  his  bravery  and  martial  fitness — ^he  had  made  him 
his  squire  when,  a  few  months  later,  an  Italian  cross- 
bolt  had  wrought  a  vacancy  in  the  post.  Stocky  in 
build,  wonderfully  quick  and  thoroughly  trained  in 
arms,  he  also  had  the  rare  faculty  of  executing  an 
order  without  the  slightest  evasion,  and  could  be 
trusted  in  any  emergency  either  of  discretion  or 
valor.  Right  often  had  the  two  stood  side  by  side 
in  the  press  of  skirmish  and  the  rush  of  battle, — for 
they  had  ever  sought  the  locality  of  strife — and 
there  had  come  to  be  little  choice  for  the  foeman 
between  the  accomplished  axe-play  of  the  master 
and  the  sweeping  blows  of  the  sturdy  squire.  And 
as  among  the  veteran  soldiery  of  the  French-Italian 
borders  no  name  stood  higher  than  De  Lacy,  so  also 
was  no  wearer  of  the  silver  spurs  more  respected 
than  he  who  bore  the  banner  of  the  Trippant  Stag. 

"  It  is  a  great  fortress,  Giles,"  said  the  Knight. 
"  Never  have  I  seen  a  stronger." 


VOICE  ON  THE  RAMPARTS  39 

"  Marry,  no ;  nor  one,  I  ween,  wherein  the  disci- 
pline was  sterner.  Are  all  castles  in  this  land  of 
yours,  my  lord,  so  conducted?  " 

"  All  wherein  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  holds  com- 
mand." 

**  Of  a  truth,  then,"  said  Dauvrey,  "  the  tales  I 
have  heard  of  this  Prince  are  not  so  wide  of  the 
clout." 

"  What  were  the  tales.?  " 

"  They  were  many  and  various,  yet  I  gathered 
that  he  was  a  great  warrior  and  fit  to  be  a  ruler  of 
men." 

"  And  you  gathered  truly,"  returned  De  Lacy. 
"  He  is  the  best  soldier  and  shrewdest  man  in  all  this 
island  Kingdom." 

"  How  looks  he  to  the  eye,  my  lord.'' " 

"You  may  judge  that  for  yourself;  observe  him 
at  the  evening  meal.    Here  comes  the  summons." 

A  step  came  rapidly  up  the  stairs  and  a  page 
halted  at  the  half -opened  doorway. 

"  His  Grace  requests  that  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  join 
him  in  the  great  hall,"  he  said. 

The  Knight  arose  and  flung  his  short  cloak 
about  him. 

"  Lead  on,"  he  ordered ;  "  we  follow." 

When  they  entered  the  hall  the  Duke  was  already 
seated  on  the  dais,  surrounded  by  the  officers  of  his 
household.  On  the  right,  De  Lacy  recognized  Sir 
Robert  Wallingford,  to  whom,  as  Constable  of  Pon- 
tefract,  he  had  been  conducted  upon  his  arrival; 


40  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

but  the  others  he  was  not  able  to  identify,  although, 
of  course,  he  knew  by  reputation  several  who  should 
be  among  them.  The  chair  on  Richard's  left  was 
unoccupied,  and  he  motioned  for  De  Lacy  to  take  it. 

"  Sit  you  here,"  he  said "  Gentlemen,  I 

present  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy.  He  is  fresh  from  Lon- 
don and,  I  doubt  not,  can  give  you  much  news  of 
the  Court  and  Capital." 

AU  arose  and  bowed  to  De  Lacy,  who  bowed 
back  at  them. 

"  My  knowledge,  such  as  it  is,"  said  he,  "  is  freely 
yours.  Yet  as  I  was  only  a  few  weeks  in  London  my 
budget  may  be  very  meagre.  But  if  you  will  ask,  I 
will  gladly  tell  you  what  I  know." 

And  they  did  not  hesitate  to  ask,  and  he  was  kept 
busy  answering  questions  upon  every  conceivable 
subject,  from  the  details  of  the  funeral  of  the  dead 
King  to  the  fashion  of  the  latest  gown.  Indeed  it 
was  not  until  the  meal  was  almost  over  that  he  had 
an  opportunity  for  a  word  aside  to  the  Duke. 

"  May  I  ask  Your  Grace  the  name  of  the  fair- 
haired  man  yonder?  "  he  said. 

"  I  cry  pardon,"  Richard  exclaimed.  "  I  forgot 
you  were  a  stranger  in  England.  He  is  my  Cham- 
berlain, Sir  William  Catesby The  black- 

moustached  Knight  with  the  scar  on  his  forehead, 
who  has  just  put  down  his  wine  glass,  is  Sir  Richard 

Ratcliffe The  elderly  man  beside  him  with 

the  gray  hair  and  ruddy  countenance  is  Sir  Robert 
Brackenbury The  one  with  the  thin,  dark 


VOICE  ON  THE  RAMPARTS  41 

face  and  broad  shoulders  is  Lord  Darby  of  Roxford. 
— The  rest  are  younger  men  and  of  less  prominence. 
.  .  .  .  The  one  beside  Darby  is  Sir  Ralph  de  Wil- 
ton, next  to  him  is  Sir  James  Dacre,  and  on  Dacre's 
left  is  Sir  Henry  de  Vivonne." 

He  pushed  back  his  chair  and  arose. 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  he,  "  you  are  excused  from 
further  attendance."     Then  he  called  to  De  Wilton. 

"  Sir  Ralph,"  he  said,  "  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  is  of 
the  Household.  Give  him  some  idea  of  his  duties, 
and  then  sponsor  him  in  Her  Grace's  presence 
chamber." 

And  Aymer  liked  De  Wilton  on  the  instant,  with 
his  courteous  manner  and  frank,  gracious  smile,  and 
for  an  hour  or  more  they  sat  in  pleasant  conversa- 
tion. Then  Sir  Ralph  was  summoned  to  the  Duke, 
and  De  Lacy,  postponing,  perforce,  his  presenta- 
tion to  the  Duchess'  household  until  the  morrow, 
went  for  a  stroll  on  the  ramparts. 

Night  had  settled  down ;  the  sky  was  clear 
and  through  the  cool,  crisp  air  the  stars  were  shin- 
ing brightly.  The  turmoil  in  the  bailey  had  sub- 
sided, but  from  the  quarters  of  the  soldiery  rose  the 
hum  of  voices  that  now  and  then  swelled  out  into 
the  chorus  of  some  drinking  or  fighting  song.  There 
were  lights  in  many  of  the  dwellings  where  lived  the 
married  members  of  the  permanent  garrison,  and 
from  them  ever  and  anon  came  the  shrill  tones  of 
some  shrewish  woman  scolding  her  children  or  be- 
rating her  lord  and  master.    For  a  while  Sir  Aymer 


4«  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

paced  the  great  wide  wall,  reflecting  upon  what 
had  occurred  since  he  came  to  Pontefract  and  the 
matters  he  had  learned  from  De  Wilton.  But 
through  it  all  a  woman's  face  kept  with  him  and  led 
his  thoughts  awry,  and  presently  he  turned  aside 
and  leaned  upon  the  parapet. 

He  had  found  her — and  by  accident ;  and  had  lost 
her  the  same  instant,  Beatrix  of  Clare,  the  greatest 
heiress  in  England,  was  not  for  him — a  wanderer 
and  a  stranger.  She  had  warned  him  plainly  that 
day  in  Windsor  Forest — though  he,  not  knowing 
her,  had  missed  the  point  till  now.  He  might  not 
presume  to  speak  to  her  until  properly  presented — 
nor  even  then  to  refer  to  what  had  passed  or  so 

much  as  intimate  that  they  had  met  before 

And  yet  had  not  Gloucester  himself  bade  him  be  not 
so  humble — that  his  birth  was  equal  to  her  own? 
Why  should  he  not  aspire  ....  why  not  seek 
her  favor  ....  what  more  favorable  conditions 
would  he  ever  know  than  now?  How  extraordinary 
it  was  that  she  should  be  in  Pontefract — the  length 
of  England  from  where  he  saw  her  last.  Surely  the 
Fates  were  kind  to  him !  And  had  she  recognized 
him?  No,  for  she  had  not  even  given  him  a  glance. 
He  had  thought  to  meet  her  in  the  presence  cham- 
ber this  very  night;  and  now — ^he  must  wait  until 
the  morrow.  Yet  the  morrow  was  sure  .... 
and  then  he  would  see  again  that  sweet  face,  those 
ruddy  tresses  and  grey  eyes  ....  would  hear 
that  silvery  voice.     .... 


VOICE  ON  THE  RAMPARTS  43 

Hark !  he  heard  it  mow. 

"  Why  so  abstracted,  sir?  "  it  seemed  to  say. 

He  stood  quite  still — ^would  it  come  again? 

St.  Denis !  there  it  was  ! 

"  Is  she  so  far  away,  Sir  Ralph.''  "  it  asked. 

Sir  Ralph !  What  had  Sir  Ralph  to  do  with  this 
music  ? 

There  came  a  soft  laugh  and  a  touch  of  a  hand  on 
his  shoulder. 

He  whirled  around — and  stared  in  wonder  at  the 
woman  of  his  dream. 

"  Oh !  "  she  said.  "  Oh !  I  thought  you  were  Sir 
Ralph  de  Wilton  ....  the  night  is  dark — 
pray,  forgive  me." 

De  Lacy  bowed  low. 

"  I  am  Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton,"  he  said. 

The  Countess  smiled. 

"  You  are  very  good,"  she  said,  and  moved  away. 

"  May  not  Sir  Ralph  walk  with  you  ?  "  De  Lacy 
asked. 

She  stopped  and  with  head  half  turned  looked  at 
him  thoughtfully. 

"  Yes,  if  he  wish,"  she  answered. 

For  a  space  they  walked  in  silence ;  she  with  head 
averted Presently  she  laughed. 

"  Silence  is  new  in  Sir  Ralph,"  she  said. 

"  He  was  waiting  leave  to  speak." 

"  And  that  is  newer  still." 

"  You  like  the  new  ?  "  he  asked  audaciously. 

"  Oh !  it  is  variety   for  the  moment  " — with  the 


44  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

faintest  lift  of  the  chin — "  though  doubtless  it  would 
get  tiresome  in  time." 

"  Let  us  enjoy  the  moment  then,"  said  he.  "  I  was 
thinking  of  you  when  you  came." 

"  I  regret,  Sir  Ralph,  I  may  not  be  equally  flat- 
tering." 

"  So  does  Sir  Ralph." 

"  Though  I  will  admit  my  thoughts  were  of  a 
man." 

"  He  shall  have  my  gage  at  sunrise." 

She  shook  her  head.  "  They  were  not  worth  it — 
only  idle  curiosity  concerning  a  new  member  of  the 
Household  I  noticed  in  the  Duke's  chamber  this  after- 
noon." ....  She  became  interested  in  her 
cloak.  "  I  do  not  now  even  recall  his  name,"  she 
added  negligently. 

De  Lacy  smiled  and  looked  at  the  stars. 

Presently  she  shot  a  quick  glance  up  at  him. 

"  Did  you  not  meet  him  at  the  evening  meal.  Sir 
Ralph.?" 

"  He  was  there — on  the  Duke's  left,"  De  Lacy 
answered  carelessly. 

"  And  his  name  ?  " 

"  De  Lacy — Aymer  de  Lacy." 

"  A  good  North  of  England  name,"  she  com- 
mented. 

"  Aye,  it  once  ran  with  Clare  in  Yorkshire,"  he 
answered. 

**  The  Clares  are  done,"  said  she,  and  sighed 
a  bit. 


VOICE  ON  THE  RAMPARTS  45 

"  And  the  flower  of  them  all  bloomed  last,"  he 
added  gravely. 

But  she  put  the  words  aside. 

"  Do  not  be  foolish,  Sir  Ralph.  You  know  I  dis- 
like compliments.  Tell  me  about  this  Sir  Aymer 
de  Lacy — I  never  heard  of  him  at  Court." 

"  He  has  lived  all  his  life  in  France." 

"  Patriotic,  truly  !  "  with  a  shrug. 

"  As  to  that,"  said  the  Knight,  "  it  is  fit  that  he 
should  answer  for  himself,  and  not  through  Sir 
Ralph  de  Wilton ;  though  either  Richard  of  Glouces- 
ter entirely  ignored  the  point  or  else  he  was  quite 
satisfied." 

She  laughed.  "  Then  it  is  not  for  me  to  raise 
it ;  so  tell  me  why  he  came  to  Pontefract." 

"  To  take  service  with  the  Duke,  I  fancy — and 
methinks  he  has  already  found  one  more  reason  for 
staying  than  for  coming." 

"  The  Duke  is  reason  enough  for  a  soldier  who 
wants  a  man  for  a  master,"  she  said.  Then  suddenly 
faced  about.  "Let  us  hasten — I  fear  I  have  over- 
stayed my  time." 

As  they  rounded  a  bastion  near  the  keep  they 
encountered  Lord  Darby. 

"  Ah,  Beatrix,  well  met,"  he  said,  offering  his 
arm  and  nodding  carelessly  to  De  Lacy.  "  Her 
Grace  desires  you." 

"  Did  she  send  you  for  me?  "  the  Countess  asked, 
ignoring  his  arm  and  hurrying  on — and  De  Lacy 
noting  it,  kept  beside  her. 


46  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Lord  Darby  forced  a  smile.     "  Not  exactly ;  I  . 
volunteered  to  go  for  you." 

"  You  are  very  kind,"  she  said  rather  tartly ;  "  a 
moment  longer  and  you  would  have  been  saved  the 
trouble." 

Darby's  smile  failed  completely  and  he  made  no 
answer. 

In  the  doorway  the  Countess  halted — and  gave  De 
Lacy  her  hand. 

"  I  thank  you  for  the  walk,"  she  said,  as  he 
bowed  over  it ;  then  a  merry  gleam  came  in  her  eyes — 
"  Good  night,  Sir    ....    Aymer." 


IV 

Trailing  Chains 

"  Women  are  queer  creatures,"  De  Wilton  re- 
marked, as  he  turned  away  from  the  window  and 
sat  down  beside  De  Lacy,  who  having  just  com- 
pleted his  first  tour  of  duty  in  the  Household  as 
Knight-in-waiting  was  still  lounging  in  the  ante- 
chamber. 

"  It  seems  to  me,"  said  Aymer,  "  I  have  heard 
that  idea  advanced  once  before  in  France — or  maybe 
it  was  in  Italy." 

"  Doubtless — but  the  present  proof  of  it  is  yon- 
der," De  Wilton  answered,  nodding  toward  the  win- 
dow. "  The  Countess  has  just  gone  for  a  ride  with 
Darby." 

De  Lacy  looked  up  from  the  dagger  he  was  idly 
polishing  on  his  doublet  sleeve. 

*'  And  the  proof  in  particular  is  what  ?  "  he  asked. 
"  Her  costume,  her  horse,  or  her  escort?  " 

"  I  gave  her  the  horse,"  said  De  Wilton. 

"  That  absolves  the  horse,  and  as  it  could  not  be 
the  costume,  it  must  be    ....  " 

De  Wilton  brought  his  fist  down  on  the  bancal 
with  a  smash. 

"  Darby — and  may  the  Devil  fly  away  with  him ! 
.    .    .    .    Oh!  it  is  not  jealousy,"  catching  Aymer's 

47 


48  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

quick  glance.  "  We  were  children  together  at  her 
father's  castle,  and  she  is  like  a  sister  to  me." 

"  And  so,  as  usual,  ignores  a  brother's  advice 
touching  her  suitors?  "  De  Lacy  observed. 

"  Touching  only  this  one." 

"  Then  you  should  feel  flattered." 

"  I  offered  no  advice  as  to  any  other." 

Aymer  sheathed  the  dagger  and  adjusted  his 
cloak. 

**  I  suppose,"  said  he,  "  one  may  assume  you  are 
not  over-fond  of  Darby." 

De  Wilton  nodded.  "  That  you  may — and  yet  if 
you  were  to  ask  my  reasons  I  could  give  none,  save 
a  thorough  detestation." 

"  And  the  Countess  has  asked  for  the  reason  ?  " 

"  Many  times." 

De  Lacy  laughed.  "  I  see,"  he  said.  *'  Now  tell 
me  about  this  Darby — I  think  you  mentioned  he  was 
not  of  the  Household." 

**  Thank  Heaven,  no — or  I  would  not  be  of  it.  He 
has  some  power  in  the  West  Riding,  and  came  by 
special  summons  of  the  Duke.  But  that  business 
ended  two  days  ago — it  is  the  Countess  that  holds 
him  now." 

"  Well,"  said  De  Lacy,  "  I,  too,  would  linger  if  it 
meant  a  ride  with  the  Countess  of  Clare  and  the 
favor  that  implies." 

"  Oh,  as  to  that,  he  is  favored  no  more  than  a 
dozen  others.  What  irks  me  is  that  she  favors  him 
at  all." 


TRAILING  CHAINS  49 

"  What  would  you  say  if  I,  too,  tried  for  a 
smile?  "  De  Lacy  asked. 

De  Wilton  ran  his  eyes  very  deliberately  over  the 
handsome  figure  beside  him. 

"  That  you  will  win  it,"  he  said,  "  and  may  be 
more  than  one — and  the  chains  that  trail  behind. 
.     .    .    .    Beware,  the  chains  are  very  heavy." 

De  Lacy  shook  his  head.  "  Strong  they  may  be — 
strong   as    life — but   heavy,   never." 

Sir  Ralph  looked  at  him  in  wondering  surprise — 
then  clapped  him  on  the  shoulder. 

"  French  skies  and  French  blood !  Pardieu,  man, 
go  in  and  show  this  Darby  and  the  others  how  the 
game  is  played." 

"  But  the  chains " 

"  Wrap  them  about  her  also.  And  by  Heaven, 
why  not.'' — ^the  last  of  the  Lacys  and  the  last  of 
the  Clares.  St.  George,  it  would  be  like  old  times 
in  Merry  England." 

*'  Nay,  Sir  Ralph,"  said  Aymer,  laying  his  hand 
upon  the  other's  arm,  "  your  words  are  quite  too 
flattering.     I  must  be  content  with  the  smile." 

De  Wilton  raised  his  eyebrows.  "  You  brought 
the  chains  across  the  Channel  with  you  ?  " 

De  Lacy  arose.  "  No,  but  maybe  I  have  found 
them  since." 

Suddenly  De  Wilton  laughed.  "  My  mind  surely 
is  getting  weak,"  he  said.  "  I  clean  forgot  you  had 
never  seen  the  Countess." 

"  Oh,  yes,  I  have — on  the  wall  last  night." 
4 


50  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

*'  Was  it  possible  you  were  near  when  Darby 
found  her?  " 

"  I  was  with  her." 

"  With  her ! "  said  De  Wilton  incredulously. 
"  Surely  you  do  not  mean  it." 

De  Lacy's  face  straightened.  "  Be  a  little  more 
explicit,  please,"  he  said. 

"  Tut,  man,  I  meant  no  offence,"  was  the  good- 
natured  answer.  "  You  do  not  understand  the  mat- 
ter. The  Countess  never  walks  alone  on  the  ram- 
parts after  dark  with  any  man  save  the  Duke  and 
me." 

"  St.  Denis,  I  forgot.  It  was  you  she  walked 
with,"  said  Aymer. 

De  Wilton  stared  at  him.  "  Are  you  quite  sane?  " 
he  asked. 

De  Lacy  linked  his  arm  within  the  other's.  "  Come 
over  to  the  window  and  I  will  tell  you  how,  last 
night.  Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton  chanced  to  walk  with  the 
Countess  of  Clare  on  the  ramparts  of  Pontefract." 

"  And  I  suppose  then  it  was  you,  and  not  I,  who 
talked  with  the  Duchess  in  her  presence  chamber  all 
the  time  the  Countess  of  Clare  was  gone." 

"  No,  I  was  on  the  ramparts,  too,"  De  Lacy  an- 
swered.    "  Listen — ^here  is  the  tale." 

"  Good !  "  exclaimed  De  Wilton  at  the  end.  "  She 
punished  Darby  well — I  wish  I  could  have  seen  it; 
and  it  cut  him  to  the  raw,  for  all  his  suave  indif- 
ference.*' Suddenly  he  struck  the  wall  sharply. 
"  And  yet — she  rides  with  him  to-day.     St.  George ! 


TRAILING  CHAINS  51 

» 

We  are  back  where  we  started.  Women  are  queer 
creatures ! " 

Just  then  Sir  James  Dacre  stopped  at  the  corridor 
door. 

"  Who  is  for  a  ride.?  "  he  asked. 

"  I  am,"  said  De  Lacy,  "  if  Sir  Ralph  will  ex- 
cuse me." 

De  Wilton  nodded.  "  Go,  by  all  means ;  it  was 
good  of  you  to  keep  me  company  even  for  a  mo- 
ment." 

"  I  might  venture  to  guess,"  said  Dacre,  as  they 
cantered  across  the  bailey  toward  the  gate,  "  that 
that  black  of  yours  was  never  foaled  in  England." 

"  I  got  Selim  in  Spain,"  De  Lacy  answered,  "  and 
with  him  the  story  that  he  came  from  the  stables 
of  the  Soldan  of  Granada — but  of  that  I  cannot 
vouch — nor  do  I  care,"  patting  the  shining  shoulder ; 
"he  is  my  good  friend  and  companion,  and  he  has 
never  failed  me." 

Dacre  looked  at  the  small  head,  with  its  bright, 
full,  kind  eye,  broad  forehead,  tapered  muzzle,  thin, 
sensitive  nostrils  and  ears;  at  the  arched  neck,  the 
deep  chest,  the  rather  short  barrel,  the  narrow  waist, 
powerful  flanks,  and  sinewy,  springy,  slender  legs. 

"  He  is  beautiful,"  he  said.  "  Methinks  I  never 
saw  so  perfect  a  horse." 

"  And  his  intelligence  is  in  kind,"  said  Aymer. 
"  He  has  many  accomplishments,  but  the  one  most 
satisfactory  to  me  is  the  way  he  understands  my 
voice Observe " 


5S  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

He  dropped  the  reins  over  the  pommel,  and  at 
the  word,  Selim,  without  touch  of  knee  or  shift  of 
bit,  went  through  all  the  gaits  and  facings,  ending 
with  the  most  diflScult  of  all — the  seven  artificial 
movements  of  the  horse. 

Sir  James  Dacre's  rather  cold  face  warmed  with 
admiration  and  he  reined  over  and  stroked  the  black's 
soft  muzzle. 

"  You  are  a  wonder,  Selim,"  he  said.  "  Your 
equal  is  not  in  the  Kingdom ;  though,  in  a  short 
dash,  the  Countess'  bay  mare  might  put  you  to  your 
speed." 

"  Very  likely,"  said  Aymer,  "  but  I  will  wager 
there  is  none  in  England  can  beat  him  from  the 
Solway  to  Land's  End." 

Dacre  smiled — "  I  would  rather  share  the  bet  than 
take  it." 

Then  the  talk  led  to  the  horses  of  France  and 
Spain,  and  thence  to  the  life  there  in  general,  for 
Sir  James  had  never  crossed  the  Channel,  and  he 
plied  his  companion  with  questions.  And  so  they 
jogged  along  in  pleasant  converse,  and  De  Lacy 
saw  that  the  reserved  and  quiet  Dacre  was  in  fact 
as  sincere  and  good-hearted  as  the  generously  im- 
pulsive De  Wilton.  And  he  warmed  to  them  both; 
for  he  had  anticipated  cold  looks,  hatred,  and  jeal- 
ousy, such  as  under  like  conditions  he  would  have 
met  with  on  the  Continent. 

And  as  they  rode  there  came  a  faint  hail  from  the 
front — and  thrice  repeated.    The  track  at  that  point 


TRAILING  CHAINS  53 

led  through  a  wood  and  was  straight  away  for  half  a 
mile,  then  it  swung  to  the  left.  Just  near  the  turn 
were  two  horsemen;  and  the  rearmost,  when  he  saw 
his  cry  had  been  heard,  waved  his  hat  and  gesticu- 
lated violently  toward  the  other,  who  was  several 
lengths  in  front.    Both  were  coming  at  top  speed. 

Sir  James  Dacre  puckered  his  eyes  and  peered 
ahead. 

"  My  sight  is  rather  poor,"  he  said,  "  but  from 
yonder  fellow's  motions,  I  take  it  he  wants  us  to 
stop  the  other — an  escape  doubtless." 

Just  then  the  one  in  the  lead  shot  through  a  patch 
of  sunlight  and  both  Knights  cried  out. 

"  A  woman !  "  said  De  Lacy. 

"  The  Countess !  "  exclaimed  Dacre.  "  What  may 
it  mean .''  " 

"  She  went  riding  with  Lord  Darby  shortly  after 
mid-day,"  said  Aymer. 

"  And  that  is  Darby,"  added  Dacre,  as  the  sun  hit 
the  second  horseman.  "  Pardieu !  I  do  not  under- 
stand— it  cannot  be  she  is  fleeing  from  him." 

They  drew  rein,  and  watched  the  approaching 
pair. 

*'  Well,  if  she  is,  she  is  succeeding,"  Aymer  ob- 
served. "  She  is  gaining  on  him  at  every  jump.  St. 
Denis !  how  that  horse  of  hers  can  run !  " 

"  It  is  Wilda,  the  bay  mare  I  spoke  of.  But 
see.  Darby  still  waves.  What  in  Heaven's  name 
ails  the  man?    Can  it  be  the  mare  has  bolted.?  " 

De  Lacy  shook  his  head.    "  The  Countess  is  mak- 


64  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

ing  no  effort  to  control  her;  the  reins  are  hanging 
loose." 

Then  they  heard  the  first  faint  beat  of  the  hoofs, 
growing  louder  and  louder,  and  presently  with  it 
Darby's  cry; 

"Stop  her!    Stop  her!" 

"  Maybe,  my  lord,"  said  De  Lacy,  leaning  for- 
ward, his  eyes  intent  upon  the  Countess ;  "  if  the 
lady  wish  it  she  will  signal." 

Two  hundred  yards  away  now  came  Wilda  run- 
ning at  terrific  speed,  but  straight  and  true.  Sud- 
denly De  Lacy  swung  Selim  around. 

"  It  is  a  runaway,"  he  called  to  Dacre,  "  the  reins 
are  useless."  And  even  as  he  said  it  the  Countess 
told  him  the  same  by  a  motion  of  her  hand. 

A  moment  more  and  she  swept  between  them ;  but 
beside  her  went  the  black,  leap  for  leap  with  the 
bay.  Then  Aymer  saw  the  trouble — ^the  bit  had 
broken  in  the  bar,  tearing  the  mouth  badly,  and 
from  each  cheek-strap  dangled  a  useless  half,  which 
striking  the  frightened  mare  on  the  muzzle  kept 
driving  her  to  top  speed. 

The  Countess  gave  De  Lacy  a  quick  smile. 

"  I  am  tr3ang  to  enjoy  it,"  she  said,  "  but  I  think 
I  am  dreadfully  frightened." 

Aymer  glanced  at  the  road — it  was  straight  and 
level  for  another  four  hundred  yards,  then  it  disap- 
peared, and  he  remembered  it  pitched  sharply  for- 
ward in  a  rough  and  twisting  descent.  Whatever 
he  did  must  be  done  quickly — ^no  horse  ever  foaled 


TRAILING  CHAINS  55 

could  carry  its  rider  down  that  declivity  at  such  a 
speed. 

"  Death  waits  yonder,"  he  said,  pointing  to  the 
brow  of  the  hill.  "  I  must  lift  you  to  my  saddle. 
Will  you  risk  it.?" 

She  hesitated ;  then  suddenly  loosed  her  foot  from 
the  stirrup. 

"  I  am  ready,"  she  said — and  smiled  again. 

De  Lacy  dropped  his  reins. 

"  Closer,  Selim,  closer,"  he  commanded. 

The  black  drew  over  until  his  master's  boot  was 
pressing  the  Countess's  saddle  girth. 

"  When  I  give  the  word,"  said  De  Lacy,  "  free 
yourself  from  the  pommel  and  catch  me  around  the 
neck." 

The  Countess  nodded.  "  I  understand,"  she  said, 
and  gave  a  quick  look  forward.  The  hill  was  get- 
ting very  near. 

He  reached  over  and  wound  his  right  arm  about 
her  slender  waist.     "  Now  !  "  he  said  sharply. 

For  a  second  the  Countess  hung  in  the  air  between 
the  plunging  horses ;  then  the  bay  shot  ahead  alone — 
and  she  rested  safely  across  De  Lacy's  saddle,  his 
arms  about  her  and  hers  about  his  neck. 

Of  his  own  accord  the  black  had  instantly  slack- 
ened speed,  and  now  at  the  word  he  stopped,  and  the 
Countess  dropped  lightly  to  the  ground. 

"  How  can  I  ever  thank  you  ?  "  she  said,  giving  Sir 
Aymer  her  hand. 

*'  By  not  trying  to,"  he  answered,  dismoanting 


56  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

and  kissing  her  fingers  almost  reverently.  "  Fortune 
has  already  blessed  me  over  much." 

She  turned  to  Selim,  who  was  standing  quietly 
beside  his  master. 

"  I  may  at  least  thank  you,  you  beauty,"  she 
said,  and  kissed  his  soft  black  muzzle. 

De  Lacy  smiled.  "  Never  before  have  I  wished  I 
were  a  horse,"  he  said. 

A  bit  of  color  flashed  into  her  cheeks  and  she 
busied  herself  in  twisting  into  place  a  roll  of  ruddy 
hair  that  had  been  shaken  from  its  fastenings.  It 
took  an  unusual  time,  it  seemed,  and  just  as  she 
finished  Sir  James  Dacre  rode  up. 

"  I  claim  a  share  in  the  rescue,"  he  said  gayly,  and 
gave  the  Countess  her  hat,  that  had  been  lost  when 
she  changed  horses.  Then  silently  he  held  out  his 
hand  to  De  Lacy ;  and  afterward  he  petted  the  black 
and  whispered  in  his  ear.  And  Selim  answered  by  a 
playful  nip,  then  rubbed  his  nose  against  his  mas- 
ter's palm. 

At  that  moment  Lord  Darby  dashed  up,  his  horse 
blown,  its  sides  bloody  with  rowelling  and  flecked 
with  foam. 

"  Thank  God,  Countess,'*  he  exclaimed,  "  you  are 
not   injured." 

"  Not  so  much  as  scratched,  thanks  to  Sir  Aymer 
de  Lacy." 

"  Aye,  Sir  Aymer,  it  was  cleverly  done,"  said 
Darby ;  "  a  neater  rescue  methinks  I  never  saw." 

De  Lacy  bowed.    "  Whatever  credit  there  may  be, 


TRAILING  CHAINS  67 

belongs  solely  to  Selim,"  he  said.  "  But  for  his 
speed  and  intelligence  I  had  never  reached  the  Coun- 
tess." Then  he  led  the  black  forward.  "  And  he 
asks  the  honor  of  carrying  her  back  to  Pontefract." 

"  Not  so,"  Darby  interrupted ;  "  that  is  my  priv- 
ilege," and  he  swung  his  own  horse  around. 

The  Countess  was  struggling  with  her  hat. 

"  But  Wilda,"  she  protested. 

"  Is  at  the  castle  now,  if  she  made  the  hill  in 
safety,"  said  Dacre,  watching  the  scene  with  the 
glint  of  a  smile. 

The  Countess  still  hesitated — and  Darby  stepped 
confidently  forward  and  dropped  his  hand  to  put  her 
up. 

"  Come,  my  lady,"  he  said. 

De  Lacy  made  no  move,  nor  spoke,  but  his  eyes 
never  left  the  Countess's  face.  And  she,  if  she  felt 
any  irritation  at  the  awkward  situation  so  foolishly 
forced  by  Darby,  concealed  it  completely  and  pun- 
ished him  with  a  smiling  face. 

"  You  may  put  me  on  Selim,  Lord  Darby,"  she 
said.  "  He  has  carried  me  part  way  home,  and  since 
he  wishes  it  he  shall  carry  me  all  the  way." 

Darby's  dark  face  flushed  and  for  a  moment  he 
drew  back  his  hand  in  refusal — ^then  quickly  offered 
it  again.  But  the  delay  lost  him  the  favor ;  for  De 
Lacy,  seeing  the  opportunity,  instantly  presented  his 
own  palm,  and  the  Countess  accepted  it,  and  he 
swung  her  to  his  saddle. 

Then  she  looked  at  Darby.     "  If  you  are  rery 


58  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

good,"  she  said,  with  a  little  laugh,  "  you  may  put 
me  down  at  the  castle." 

And  Darby  laughed,  too.  "  But  you  must  give  me 
time,"  he  replied.  "  I  am  not  so  nimble  as  Selim's 
master." 

And  so  they  made  their  way  back  to  Pontefract, 
De  Lacy  walking  beside  the  Countess,  and  Lord 
Darby  and  Sir  James  Dacre  following  on  horseback 
just  behind.  Wilda  had  evidently  got  down  the  hill 
unhurt ;  in  the  soft  earth  at  its  foot  the  deep  marks 
of  her  running  hoofs  were  very  evident ;  and  a  little 
way  from  the  castle  they  came  upon  her,  calmly 
browsing  beside  the  track.  She  had  lost  her  bridle 
and  her  fright  was  quite  gone — for  she  answered  to 
the  Countess's  call,  and  permitted  De  Lacy  to  put  a 
strap  around  her  neck  and  make  her  captive. 

As  they  crossed  the  drawbridge  the  Duke  of  Glou- 
cester was  standing  near  the  gate  tower  and  he  called 
Lord  Darby  to  him — and  Dacre  offering  to  take 
Wilda  to  the  stables.  Sir  Aymer  and  the  Countess 
were  left  to  go  on  alone  to  the  keep.  As  they  drew 
up  at  the  entrance,  and  the  Countess  shifted  position 
in  the  saddle,  she  dropped  her  kerchief;  De  Lacy 
secured  it  and  put  it  in  his  doublet,  then  reached  up 
to  lift  her  down. 

She  shook  her  head. 

"  The  kerchief  first,"  she  said,  with  calm  finality. 

There  was  no  mistaking  the  tone,  and  without  a 
word  he  gave  it  to  her.  She  slowly  tucked  it  in  her 
bodice,  looking  the  while  toward  the  gate. 


TRAILING  CHAINS  59 

"  I  thought  Lord  Darby  was  to  put  me  down," 
she  said,  and  giving  De  Lacy  a  dazzling  smile — "  but 
if  you  care  to  act  as  his  substitute,  I  suppose  you 

may Good-bye,   Selim."      She   gathered 

up  her  skirt  and  moved  toward  the  steps.  On  the 
bottom  one  she  tximed.  "  Do  you  not  think.  Sir 
Aymer,  it  is  about  time  for  you  to  be  presented  ?  " 
she  asked — ^then  ran  quickly  up  the  stairs  and 
through  the  doorway. 


The  Captueed  Favoe 

St.  Geoege's  Day  was  dropping  into  night.  Since 
early  morning  the  castle  had  been  busy  in  the  various 
ceremonies  with  which  mediaeval  England  observed 
the  feast  of  her  patron  Saint ;  the  garrison  had  been 
paraded  and  inspected;  the  archers  had  shot  for  a 
gold  bugle,  and  the  men-at-arms  had  striven  for  a 
great  two-handed  sword ;  there  had  been  races  on  foot 
and  on  horseback,  and  feats  of  strength  and  wrest- 
ling bouts ;  and  the  Duke  himself  had  presided  at  the 
sports  and  distributed  the  prizes. 

It  was  almost  sundown  when  the  last  contest  was 
over  and  the  great  crowd  of  spectators  that  had  con- 
gregated within  the  outer  bailey  began  to  disperse. 
Richard  had  dismissed  his  attendants,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  RatclifFe,  and  leaning  on  the  latter's  arm  he 
sauntered  slowly  across  the  stone-paved  courtyard  to- 
ward the  keep. 

"  Methinks,"  said  De  Wilton,  as  he  and  De  Lacy 
followed  at  some  distance,  "  that  the  order  we  have 
so  long  expected  must  come  to-morrow.  And  I,  for 
one,  shall  be  well  content ;  it  is  many  a  long  day  since 
I  saw  London." 

"  Why  so  certain  of  to-morrow  ?  "  De  Lacy  asked. 

"  Because  if  His  Grace  intend  to  be  present  at 
60 


THE  CAPTURED  FAVOR  61 

the  coronation,  he  may  dally  here  no  longer.  .... 
Say  you  not  so,  Dacre?  "  as  the  latter  joined  them. 

**  Verily,  yes,"  said  Dacre,  "  and  I  have  already 
directed  my  squire  to  prepare  for  the  journey. 
Marry !  it  will  be  a  joyous  time  in  London." 

*'  It  is  long  since  there  was  a  peaceful  crowning 
in  fair  England,"  observed  De  Lacy,  "  and  I  shall 
be  glad  indeed  to  see  the  pomp." 

"  It  may  not  equal  the  splendors  you  have  seen  in 
France,"  remarked  Dacre,  "  but  there  will  be  a 
goodly  show  nevertheless ;  something  rather  brighter 
than  Yorkshire  hills  or  Scottish  heather." 

"  I  have  no  quarrel  with  the  heather,"  replied  De 
Wilton,  "  but  the  hills  are  ....  well,  not — so 
soft  as  the  cheeks  and  eyes  of  the  dames  of  the 
Court." 

"  In  sooth,"  said  De  Lacy,  "  I  am  with  you  in 
that.  To  me  a  pretty  face  was  ever  more  attractive 
than  a  granite  crag." 

"  Both  are  handy  in  their  places,"  said  Dacre  with 
a  shrug.  "  Yet,  Pasque  Dieu !  of  the  two  it  were  not 
hard  to  choose  the  trustier," 

"  Go  to !  "  exclaimed  De  Wilton ;  "  it  was  not  a 
gallant  speech.  You  will  have  to  mend  your  mind  in 
London." 

"  Nay,  Sir  Ralph,  my  words,  perhaps,  but  scarce 
my  mind." 

"  It  is  the  same  thing  there,"  De  Wilton  laughed. 

At  that  moment  the  Master  of  Horse  suddenly  left 
the  Duke  and  turned  toward  the  stables. 


est  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

**  Busk  yourselves  for  the  road,  fair  sirs,"  he  called, 
as  he  passed.    "  We  march  after  matins  to-morrow." 

The  news  spread  like  the  wind  through  the  castle, 
but  it  occasioned  neither  confusion  nor  even  bustle. 
The  personal  following  of  Richard  of  Gloucester 
were  selected  from  veteran  soldiers  who  were  ever 
ready.  They  had  but  to  don  harness  and  mount 
horse  when  the  route  was  sounded;  and  they  could 
have  ridden  across  the  drawbridge  at  sundown,  just 
as  readily  as  the  next  morning. 

In  the  antechamber  that  evening  there  was  much 
discussion  by  the  younger  Knights  as  to  the  Duke's 
probable  course ;  would  he  head  the  Nobility ;  would 
he  aim  for  the  Protectorship ;  would  he  remain  quies- 
cent and  let  the  Woodvilles  control  ?  Those  older  in 
his  service,  however,  were  content  to  bide  patiently 
the  future,  for  long  since  had  they  learned  the  folly 
of  trying  to  forecast  the  purposes  of  their  silent 
leader. 

And  Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton  and  Sir  Henry  de  Vi- 
vonne  were  hot  in  the  argument  when  Sir  James 
Dacre  arose  and  clapped  De  Lacy  on  the  shoulder. 

"  Come  along,"  he  said.  "  These  two  gentlemen 
are  vastly  entertaining,  doubtless,  but  I  am  for  the 
presence  chamber  to  make  my  adieux." 

The  Lady  Mary  Percy  was  reading  aloud  Chau- 
cer's "  Knight's  Tale  "  when  they  were  announced, 
but  she  quickly  laid  aside  the  heavy  tome,  and  the 
Duchess  paused  in  her  embroidery  and  greeted  them 
with  a  smile. 


THE  CAPTURED  FAVOR  63 

**  I  have  seen  nothing  of  you  since  you  saved  the 
Coimtess,"  she  said,  giving  each  a  hand  to  kiss,  "  and 
I  owe  you  both  a  heavy  payment." 

"  And  which,  then,  does  Your  Grace  rate  the 
higher:  the  Countess  or  her  hat?  "  Dacre  asked. 

"  I  do  not  quite  understand,"  said  she. 

"  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  saved  the  Countess,  and  I 
saved  the  hat,"  he  explained. 

"  And  what  did  Lord  Darby  save.'*  "  the  Lady 
Mary  asked  pertly. 

Dacre  smiled  placidly. 

"  Nothing — not  even  his  temper ;  the  Countess 
saved  that  for  him,"  he  answered;  and  every  one 
laughed — even  the  Duchess;  though  she  shook  her 
head  at  him,  the  while,  in  mock  reproof. 

"  That  forfeits  your  share  of  the  reward,"  she 
said ;  then  turned  to  De  Lacy.  "  Some  time.  Sir 
Aymer,  I  must  have  a  gallop  beside  the  wonderful 
Selim." 

De  Lacy  bowed  low.  "  Why  not  on  him  ?  "  he 
asked- 

"  Well,  perhaps — when  we  all  are  together  again." 

"  In  London — or  at  Windsor?  " 

A  faint  shade  of  concern  came  into  her  eyes,  and 
De  Lacy's  thoughts  instantly  recurred  to  the  scene 
in  the  Duke's  chamber  the  day  he  arrived. 

"  At  Windsor,  let  us  hope ;  the  roads  are  charm- 
ing there,"  she  said,  and  then  she  resumed  her  em- 
broidery. 

"  Be  seated,  sirs,"  she  commanded. 


64  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Come  hither,  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,"  called  the 
Ladj  Mary,  who  was  sitting  beside  the  Countess  of 

Clare "It  just  occurred  to  me  to-day 

that  I  heard  of  you  a  year  or  so  ago  from  a  friend  in 
France." 

"  It  seems  to  me,"  said  De  Lacy,  taking  the  low 
stool  at  her  feet,  "  that  I  have  a  sure  quarrel  with 
your  memory,  either  because  it  is  laggard  or  because 
it  is  not." 

"  And  which  do  you  think  it  is  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  I  might  guess  the  better  if  I  knew  your  friend's 
name." 

"  Marie." 

"  Half  the  women  of  France  are  Maries." 

"  You  were  then  at  Blois." 

"  At  the  Court,  you  mean  ?  " 

She  nodded.  "  And  but  lately  returned  from  an 
expedition  into  Navarre." 

De  Lacy  shook  his  head.    *'  I  cannot  guess." 

She  gave  him  a  knowing  smile.  "  Who  of  the 
Princess  Margaret's  maids,  think  you,  it  might 
have  been  ?  '* 

"  It  might  have  been  any  one  of  three,"  he  said, 
**  but  I  will  guess  Mademoiselle  d'Artois." 

"  At  last !  At  last !  .  .  .  .  How  rapidly  your 
mind  works  under  pressure.  I  wonder,  sir,  if  you 
will  remember  us  so  promptly  a  year  hence." 

"  Suppose  we  wait  and  sec,"  De  Lacy  answered, 
and  tried  to  catch  the  Countess'  eye,  but  failed.  In- 
deed, save  for  a  quick  smile  of  greeting  when  he 


THE  CAPTURED  FAVOR  65 

joined  them,  she  had  given  him  not  a  single  glance, 
but  had  kept  her  head  bent  over  her  needle. 

Lady  Mary  drew  down  her  pretty  mouth.  "  If 
you  can  forget  Marie  d'Artois  so  soon,  what  chance 
have  we?  "  she  asked. 

"  But  I  have  not  forgotten  her ;  we  were  quite  too 
good  friends  for  that." 

"  And  she  was  quite  too  fascinating,"  the  Lady 
Mary  laughed. 

"  Aye,  and  quite  too  beautiful." 

"  Goodness,  Beatrix,  listen  to  the  man,"  she  ex- 
claimed. "  He  has  the  bad  taste  to  praise  one  woman 
to  another." 

The  Countess  looked  up.  "  Sir  Aymer  was  laud- 
ing Mademoiselle  d'Artois  to  me,  last  night,"  she 
said. 

"  Can  it  be.  Lady  Mary,"  De  Lacy  asked,  "  you 
do  not  know  that  two  months  since,  Marie  d'Artois 
was  wedded  to  the  Due  de  Boiselle.''  " 

For  a  moment  Lady  Mary  was  taken  aback;  then 
she  laughed  gayly  and  arose. 

"  I  will  leave  you  to  discuss  the  other  two  Maries,'* 

she  said,  and  moved  away "  Perhaps 

they,  too,  are  married,"  she  added,  over  her  shoulder. 

De  Lacy  looked  after  her  contemplatively. 

"  I  wonder,"  said  he,  "  why  the  Lady  Mary  Percy 
resents  my  preferring  you  to  her." 

"  Do  you  ?  "  the  Countess  asked — then  held  up 

her  hand.     "  Stop,  sir,  you  may  not  answer — I  did 

but  jest." 
5 


66  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"And  may  I  not  answer  .  .  .  .  in  jest?" 
leaning  toward  her. 

She  shook  her  head.  "  No,  sir,  you  may  not ;  and 
if  you  attempt  it,  I  shall  leave  you  instantly." 

*'  Pardieu !  "  said  he ;  *'  you  are  the  most  alluringly 
tantahzing  woman  I  have  ever  known.  The  evening 
of  the  ride  you  would  scarce  look  at  me,  but  talked 
with  Lord  Darby  all  the  time." 

"  He  was  making  his  farewells ;  he  left  the  follow- 
ing morning." 

De  Lacy  laughed.  **  Two  hours  of  farewells ! 
Doubtless,  you  were  delegated  to  receive  them  for 
the  Household." 

The  Countess  was  busy  with  her  needle.  "  He 
seemed  to  wish  it  so,"  she  said. 

**  And  the  next  evening,  when  I  asked  you  to  walk 
on  the  wall,  you  well  nigh  froze  me  with  the  chill  of 
your  refusal." 

"  And  will  do  so  again  to — Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy." 

"  And  the  following  morning,  at  the  first  asking, 
you  rode  with  me  for  leagues." 

She  flashed  a  smile  at  him.  "  And  may  do  the 
same  again." 

'*  And  yet  that  very  evening,  when  by  accident  I 
touched  your  hand,  you  turned  your  back  upon  me 
and  ignored  me  for  a  day." 

**  And  will  do  the  same  again,"  she  answered 
calmly. 

"  And  the  next  evening  you  talked  with  me  for 
hours." 


THE  CAPTURED  FAVOR  67 

**  And  am  ready  to  do  the  same  to-night.  You, 
too,  may  take  your  farewell  of  the  entire  suite 
through  me — unless,  of  course,  you  have  tired  of  my 
foolish  vagaries." 

"  Methinks  I  am  quite  satisfied  to  be  classed  with 
Lord  Darby  in  the  matter  of  farewells ;  and  as  for  the 
vagaries,  they  may  be  tantalizing  but,  believe  me, 
they  are  far  more  winning." 

She  held  up  a  cautioning  finger. 

"  I  prefer  your  arraignment  to  your  compli- 
ments," she  said.  "  Methinks  I  told  you  once  before 
of  my  dislike  for  flattery." 

"  That  was  to  Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton  ....  the 
night  you  walked  with  him  on  the  wall." 

"  True,  so  it  was,"  she  laughed ;  "  but  you  were 
there  and  heard  it." 

He  casually  picked  up  a  skein  of  silk  that  had 
slipped  to  the  floor,  but  finding  her  eyes  upon  him 
gave  it  to  her  straightway. 

"  Why  not  walk  now  on  the  ramparts  with 
Sir  Ralph  ? "  he  asked  very  low  and 
earnestly. 

For  an  instant  she  seemed  to  hesitate;  then  she 
looked  at  him  and  shook  her  head. 

**  I  may  not,"  she  said.  "  I  have  promised  the 
evening  to  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  ....  for  two 
hours  of  farewells." 

But  the  two  hours  were  very  brief,  indeed;  for 
almost  immediately  De  Vivonne  and  De  Wilton  ar- 
rived, and  shortly  thereafter  came  Sir  Richard  Rat- 


68  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

clifFe  and  Sir  Robert  Brackenbury,  and  the  talk  be- 
came general.  And  presently  Richard  himself  en- 
tered ;  and  when  he  withdrew  the  Duchess  went  with 
him  and  the  gathering  broke  up ;  and  De  Lacy  got 
no  more  than  a  casual  word  of  farewell  from  the 
Countess. 

In  the  morning  all  was  activity.  The  bailey  re- 
sounded with  the  stamp  of  hoofs,  the  neighing  of 
horses,  and  the  rattle  of  armor,  as  the  three  hundred 
and  more  men-at-arms  assembled  before  the  keep, 
awaiting  the  order  to  fall  in.  The  under  officers 
stood  apart  conversing,  but  glancing,  ever  and  anon, 
toward  the  main  stairway  in  anticipation  of  the  com- 
ing of  the  Duke  or  one  of  his  suite.  Presently  the 
dark  face  of  RatclifFe  appeared  at  the  door;  and 
after  a  quick  glance  about  he  waved  his  hand.  In- 
stantly the  blare  of  the  trumpet  lifted  every  man  into 
saddle;  and  in  another  moment,  that  which  seemed 
but  a  confused  mass  had  disentangled  itself  and 
swung  into  a  square  of  glittering  steel,  over  which 
the  morning  sunbeams  rippled  in  waves  of  silver  as 
the  horses  moved  in  restlessness. 

De  Lacy  was  standing  before  the  entrance,  watch- 
ing the  soldiery,  when  a  page  hurriedly  summoned 
him  to  the  Duke. 

He  found  Gloucester  in  the  lower  hall,  booted  and 
spurred  for  the  road,  and  pacing  slowly  back  and 
forth,  his  head  upon  his  breast.  He  was  dressed 
entirely  in  Hack,  and  his  heavy  cloak,  lined  with 
fur,  lay  on  a  near-by  bancal.    He  carried  his  gaunt- 


THE  CAPTURED  FAVOR  69 

lets  in  his  right  hand,  and  every  step  or  two  would 
strike  them  sharply  against  the  top  of  his  high 
boot.  Catesby,  Brackenbury  and  Ratcliffe  were 
gathered  a  bit  apart,  talking  in  low  tones.  They 
glanced  up  when  De  Lacy  appeared,  and  as  he  halted 
just  within  the  doorway,  waiting  for  the  Duke  to 
address  him,  Brackenbury  spoke : 

"  My  lord,  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  is  here." 

Richard  wheeled  abruptly.  "  Come  hither,"  he 
said,  and  led  the  way  toward  the  window.  "  Do  you 
know  the  country  or  people  in  the  region  of  Kirkstall 
Abbey.?" 

"  No,  my  lord,"  said  De  Lacy.  "  I  have  never 
been  north  of  Pontef  ract." 

"  Then  you  are  the  one  for  the  purpose.  A  dozen 
men-at-arms  have  been  detailed  for  you;  take  them 
and  proceed  direct  to  Craigston  Castle  and  deliver  to 
Sir  John  de  Bury  this  letter.  I  ride  to  York  to-day 
and  South  to-morrow.  If  you  hasten,  you  can  rejoin 
me  at  Nottingham.     Do  you  understand?  " 

"  Perfectly,  my  lord." 

"  Then  away.  Come,  gentlemen !  "  and  the  Duke 
walked  briskly  to  the  stairway. 

As  he  came  within  view  of  those  in  the  courtyard, 
there  arose  a  mighty  shout  that  echoed  from  the 
walls  and  keep.  Gloucester's  calm  face  relaxed  in  a 
slight  smile  and  he  waved  his  hand  in  response. 
Then  scarce  touching  his  foot  to  the  stirrup  which 
Catesby  held  he  leaped  into  saddle.  The  trumpet 
rang  out,  and  the  horsemen,  breaking  from  square 


70  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

into  column,  filed  out  of  the  courtyard  and  across 
the  outer  bailey. 

Gloucester  had  tarried,  meanwhile,  to  speak  a  final 
word  to  Sir  Robert  Wallingford;  and  when  he  had 
finished,  the  last  clatter  of  hoofs  on  the  drawbridge 
had  ceased.  As  the  Constable  stepped  back  with  a 
farewell  salute,  Richard's  quick  eye  discerned  the 
face  of  the  Duchess  at  an  upper  window.  Swing- 
ing his  charger  in  a  demi-volte,  he  doffed  bonnet  and 
flung  her  a  kiss  with  his  finger  tips. 

**  Au  revoiry  amante"  he  called. 

She  smiled  sweetly  upon  him  and  answered  his 
kiss;  then  stood  watching  him  as  he  rode  rapidly 
away,  followed  by  his  attendant  Knights,  until  the 
dark  arch  of  the  distant  gateway  hid  him  from  her 
sight. 

A  few  moments  later  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  came 
riding  across  the  courtyard  with  his  escort.  He  had 
changed  his  suit  of  velvet  for  one  of  steel;  for 
being  ignorant  both  of  the  country  into  which  he 
was  about  to  travel  and  of  what  manner  of  adven- 
ture might  lie  before  him,  he  had  deemed  it  well  to 
have  something  more  than  silken  doublet  between  his 
heart  and  a  cloth-yard  shaft.  His  visor  was  raised, 
and  as  he  passed  the  keep,  he  looked  up  at  every  win- 
dow. All  were  deserted,  however,  and  he  was  about 
to  turn  away  when,  suddenly,  a  casement  swung 
open  and  the  Countess  of  Clare  appeared  in  the 
stone-framed  opening. 

"  Au  revoir"  she  cried,  and  waved  her  kerchief. 


THE  CAPTURED  FAVOR  tl 

Then  by  some  mischance  the  bit  of  lace  slipped 
from  her  fingers  and  floated  slowly  downward.  She 
made  a  quick  grasp  for  it,  but  it  had  sunk  beyond  her 
reach.  A  pufF  of  wind  spread  it  wide  and  carried  it 
out  toward  De  Lacy.  He  watched  it  as  it  dropped, 
bringing  Selim  almost  to  a  stand  to  keep  beneath  it, 
and  at  length  it  rested  upon  his  extended  hand. 

"  I  claim  my  favor,  fair  Countess,"  he  called,  and 
wound  it  round  the  crest  of  his  helmet — then  loos- 
ened rein  and  dashed  away. 


VI 

A  Wayside  Skiumish 

Foe  a  space  Sir  Aymer  rode  alone  at  the  head  of 
the  column  without  even  casting  a  glance  behind  or 
addressing  a  word  to  his  squire.  Presently  the  road 
forked  and  turning  half  around  in  his  saddle,  he  in- 
quired :  "  Which  leads  to  Kirkstall  Abbey  ?  " 

*'  The  straightaway  one,  my  lord ;  the  other  would 
carry  you  back  to  Wakefield,"  said  the  elderly  under- 
officer,  whose  hair,  where  it  had  strayed  from  under 
his  casquetel,  was  silvered,  and  across  whose  weather- 
beaten  face,  from  chin  to  temple,  ran  a  bright  red 
scar. 

"  The  battlefield.?  " 

"  The  same,  sir." 

**  Ride  beside  me,"  said  De  Lacy.  "  Did  you  fight 
at  Wakefield.?" 

**  I  did,  fair  sir — it  was  a  bloody  field." 

"  The  Duke  of  York  died  that  day." 

"  Aye,  sir — I  stood  not  ten  feet  from  him  when 
he  fell.  He  was  a  brave  knight,  and  our  own  Glou- 
cester much  resembles  him  in  countenance." 

**  You  have  seen  many  battles,  my  man  ?  " 

*'  Since  the  first  St.  Albans  I  have  missed  scarce 
one.    It  is  a  trade  that  came  into  the  family  with  my 
grandsire's  sire." 
72 


A  WAYSIDE  SKIRMISH  78 

"  And  do  your  children  follow  it,  as  well?  " 

"  Not  so,  my  lord.  Raynor  Royk  has  none  to 
succeed  him.  And  by  your  leave  it  is  small  matter. 
In  a  few  years  there  will  be  but  scant  work  for  my 
calling  in  this  land.  England  has  seen  her  last 
warrior  King — ^unless " 

"  Unless  what.?  "  said  De  Lacy. 

The  old  retainer  glanced  shrewdly  at  his  young 
leader;  then  answered  with  apparent  carelessness. 

"  Unless  Richard  of  Gloucester  should  wear  the 
crown." 

De  Lacy  looked  at  him  sharply. 

"  Small  likehhood  of  that,  my  man,"  said  he. 
"  Edward  left  a  goodly  family." 

"  In  truth  yes,  my  lord,"  was  the  answer.  "  Yet 
there  would  be  more  joy  among  the  soldiers  in  the 
North  if  Gloucester  were  our  King." 

Doubtless  the  speech  merited  rebuke, — it  was  over 
near  to  treason, — but  the  man  was  honest  in  his 
devotion  to  the  Duke,  and  likely  meant  no  particu- 
lar disrespect  to  the  young  Edward.  So  De  Lacy  let 
it  pass,  but  straightway  changed  the  subject. 

"  Do  you  know  Craigston  Castle  .'*  "  he  asked. 

"  Most  thoroughly." 

"Where  is  it.?" 

"  On  the  North  bank  of  the  Wharfe,  a  short  three 
leagues  beyond  Kirkstall  Abbey." 

"And  the  Abbey?" 

*'  Five  leagues  or  more  from  Pontefract." 

"  A  proper  distance — we  can  taste  the  good  monks' 


74  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

hospitality  and  still  make  Craigston  before  night. 
Is  this  the  Aire  I  see  shining  ahead  ?  " 

"  The  same ;  the  ford  is  easy." 

De  Lacy  nodded;  and  the  veteran  taking  that  as 
his  dismissal  drew  back  and  resumed  his  place  in  the 
column. 

The  nones  bell  had  already  sounded  some  little 
time  when  they  drew  rein  before  the  lodge  of  the 
great  Cistercian  Abbey.  The  gates  were  closed,  but 
the  wicket  was  open  and  at  it  was  the  rotund  face  of 
the  brother  who  served  as  porter. 

"  Be  so  kind,  worthy  monk,  as  to  say  to  your 
superior  that  a  Knight  and  his  attendants  crave  re- 
freshment ere  they  travel  further,"  said  De  Lacy. 

"  Enter,  fair  lord,"  returned  the  porter,  swinging 
back  the  gates.  "  Bid  your  men  repair  to  the  but- 
tery yonder,  while  I  conduct  your  worship  to  the  holy 
father." 

They  found  the  Abbot  pacing  the  gravel  path 
between  the  cloister  and  the  church,  with  his  chan- 
cellor at  his  side.  His  cowl  was  thrown  back  and  the 
white  gown  of  his  Order,  which  hung  full  to  his  feet, 
was  fastened  close  to  the  throat.  His  face  was  pale, 
and  the  well-cut  features  and  the  small  hands  betok- 
ened his  gentle  birth.  He  was,  possibly,  about  fifty 
years  of  age,  but  his  step  and  bearing  were  as  easy 
as  De  Lacy's  own. 

"  Benedicite,  my  son,"  said  he,  as  the  Knight  bent 
head  to  the  uplifted  hand,  "  you  are  welcome,  and 
just  in  time  to  join  us  at  the  noonday  meal." 


A  WAYSIDE  SKIRMISH  76 

"  It  was  to  ask  refreshment  for  myself  and  my 
men  that  I  halted,  and  your  reverence  has  in  kind- 
ness anticipated  me,"  said  De  Lacy. 

The  Abbot  turned  to  the  porter :  "  Brother 
James,"  he  said,  "  see  that  all  are  provided  for  and 
that  the  horses  have  a  full  allowance  of  grain. — And 
now,  there  sounds  the  horn  for  us.  Sir " 

"  Aymer  de  Lacy,"  filled  in  the  Knight. 

"  A  goodly  name,  my  son ;  and  one  dear  to  York- 
shire hereabouts,  although,  now,  near  forgotten. 
Have  you  seen  Pontefract?  " 

"  I  quit  it  but  this  morning." 

"  In  sooth !  "  said  the  Abbot,  with  sudden  inter- 
est. "  And  is  His  Grace  of  Gloucester  still  in  pres- 
ence there  ?  " 

"  He  left  shortly  before  I  did." 

"For  London?" 

"  Nay,  methinks  I  heard  he  rode  to  York,"  re- 
plied De  Lacy,  who  had  learned  enough  on  the  Con- 
tinent of  the  ways  of  churchmen  not  to  tell  them 
all  he  knew. 

"  To  York !  "  said  the  Abbot  in  some  surprise. 
"  How  many  men  did  he  take  with  him  ?  " 

"  I  was  not  present  when  the  Duke  departed  and 
I  did  not  see  his  following,"  returned  Aymer. 

The  Abbot's  keen  eyes  tried  to  read  behind  the 
answer,  but  evidently  without  success,  for  his  next 
remark  was :  "  I  do  not  recall  your  face.  Sir  Aymer, 
among  the  many  Knights  who  have  traversed  these 
parts." 


76  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Your  memory  is  entirely  trustworthy,"  said  De 
Lacy.  "  I  came  from  France  but  lately,  and  have 
never  seen  this  section  until  to-day." 

"  Fare  you  not  to  the  coronation  ?  " 

"  In  truth,  yes,  your  reverence ;  Deo  volente." 

"  Then  must  you  soon  turn  bridle ;  London  lies  to 
the  South,  my  son,"  said  the  Abbot,  with  a  smile. 

De  Lacy  laughed.  "  Never  fear — I  shall  be  there 
— Deo  volente." 

"  You  have  learned  the  Christian  virtue  of  humil- 
ity, at  all  events,"  said  the  priest,  as  they  entered 
the  hall,  where  the  monks  were  already  seated  around 
the  long  tables,  awaiting  the  coming  of  the  Abbot. 
Upon  his  appearance  they  all  arose  and  remained 
standing  while  the  Chancellor  droned  a  Latin 
blessing.  Then  he  took  his  carved  chair  at  the 
smaller  table  on  the  dais,  with  the  Knight  beside 
him,  and  the  repast  began.  During  the  meal,  the 
Abbot  made  no  effort  to  obtain  his  guest's  destination 
or  mission,  but  discussed  matters  of  general  import. 
He,  himself,  contrary  to  the  usual  habits  of  the 
monks  of  his  day,  ate  but  little,  and  when  De  Lacy 
had  finished  he  withdrew  with  him. 

**  You  are  anxious  to  be  on  your  way,"  he  said, 
"  and  I  will  not  detain  you.  These  roads  are  scarce 
pleasant  after  night-fall." 

In  the  courtyard  the  men-at-arms  were  drawn  up 
awaiting  the  order  to  mount. 

"  Verily,  you  ride  well  attended,  my  son.  The 
roads  need  not  bother  you,"  said  the  Abbot,  as  he 


A  WAYSIDE  SKIRMISH  77 

ran  his  eyes  over  the  array "  Methinks 

I  have  seen  your  face  before,"  looking  hard  at 
Raynor  Royk. 

"  Like  as  not,  your  reverence,"  said  the  old  re- 
tainer calmly ;  "  I  am  no  stranger  in  Yorkshire." 

At  that  moment  Dauvrey  led  the  Knight's  horse 
forward,  and  Aymer  turned  to  the  monk  before  he 
could  address  another  question  to  Raynor. 

"  I  am  much  beholden,  my  lord  Abbot,  for  your 
kindly  entertainment  and  I  hope  some  day  I  may 
requite  it.     Farewell." 

"  Farewell,  my  son,"  returned  the  monk.  "  May 
the  peace  of  the  Holy  Benedict  rest  upon  you." 

He  watched  them  until  the  last  horseman  had  clat- 
tered through  the  gateway,  then  turned  away. 

"  My  mitre  on  it,  they  are  Gloucester's  men,"  he 
muttered. 

When  they  had  quit  the  Abbey,  De  Lacy  again 
summoned  Raynor  Royk  and  questioned  him  regard- 
ing the  Abbot  of  Kirkstall.  The  old  soldier,  like  the 
majority  of  his  fellows  who  made  fighting  a  business, 
had  a  contemptuous  indifference  to  the  clerical  class. 
A  blessing  or  a  curse  was  alike  of  little  consequence 
to  men  who  feared  neither  God,  man,  nor  Devil,  and 
who  would  as  readily  strip  a  sleek  priest  as  a  good, 
fat  merchant.  Raynor's  words  were  blunt  and  to 
the  point.  He  knew  nothing  of  the  Abbot  except 
through  the  gossip  of  the  camp  and  guard-room,  and 
that  made  him  a  cadet  of  a  noble  family  of  the 
Soiith  of  England,  who  for  some  unknown  reas^on 


78  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

had,  in  early  manhood,  suddenly  laid  aside  his  sword 
and  shield  and  assumed  Holy  Orders.  He  had  been 
the  Abbot  of  Kirkstall  for  many  years,  and  it  was 
understood  had  great  power  and  influence  in  the 
Church ;  though  he,  himself,  rarely  went  beyond  the 
limits  of  his  own  domain.  He  was,  however,  regarded 
as  an  intriguing,  political  priest,  of  Lancastrian  in- 
clination, but  shrewd  enough  to  trim  successfully  to 
whatever  faction  might  be  in  power. 

Two  of  the  remaining  leagues  had  been  covered, 
and  they  were  within  a  mile  or  so  of  the  Wharfe 
when,  rounding  a  sharp  turn,  they  came  upon  a  scene 
that  brought  every  man's  sword  from  its  sheath.  The 
narrow  road,  at  this  point,  was  through  a  dense  for- 
est of  oaks  and  beeches  that  crowded  to  the  very  edge 
of  the  track  and  formed  an  arch  over  it.  The  trees 
grew  close  together,  and  the  branches  were  so  inter- 
locked that  the  sunlight  penetrated  with  difficulty; 
and  though  the  day  was  still  far  from  spent,  yet, 
here,  the  shadows  had  already  begun  to  lengthen  into 
an  early  twilight.  Some  two  hundred  yards  down 
this  road  was  a  group  of  figures  that  swayed,  now 
this  way,  now  that,  in  the  broil  of  conflict,  while 
from  it  came  the  clash  of  steel.  In  the  road  was 
the  dead  body  of  a  horse,  and,  upon  either  side  of  it, 
lay  two  men  who  would  never  draw  weapon  again. 
The  one  had  been  split  almost  to  the  nose  by  a  single 
downright  blow,  and  the  other  had  been  pierced 
through  the  throat  by  a  thrust  of  the  point. 

At  a  little  distance,  with  his  back  against  a  tree 


A  WAYSIDE  SKIRMISH  79 

and  defending  himself  vigorously  from  the  assault  of 
half  a  dozen  men,  stood  a  tall  and  elderly  Knight. 
He  was  not  in  armor,  except  for  a  light  corselet  of 
steel,  and  already  he  had  been  more  than  once 
slightly  wounded.  His  bonnet  had  been  lost  in  the 
melee,  and  his  grey  hair  was  smudged  with  blood 
along  the  temple.  Two  more  men  were  dead  at  his 
feet,  and  for  the  moment  the  others  hesitated  to 
press  in  and  end  the  fight.  That  huge  sword  could 
make  short  work  of  at  least  another  pair  of  them 
before  the  hands  that  held  it  would  relax,  and  the 
uncertainty  as  to  which  would  be  the  victims  stayed 
their  rush.  Suddenly  the  Knight  leaped  forward, 
cut  down  the  one  nearest  him,  and  was  back  to  the 
tree  before  the  others  had  recovered  from  their  sur- 
prise. Then  with  a  roar  of  anger  they  flung  them- 
selves upon  him,  and  the  struggle  began  anew.  In 
their  rage  and  impetuosity,  however,  they  fought 
without  method,  and  the  Knight  was  able  for  a  short 
interval,  by  skilful  play,  to  sweep  aside  their  points 
and  to  parry  their  blows.  But  it  forced  him  to 
fight  wholly  on  the  defensive,  and  his  age  and 
wounds  left  no  doubt  as  to  the  ultimate  result. 
His  arm  grew  tired,  and  the  grip  on  his  sword  hilt 

weakened His    enemies   pressed   him 

closer  and  closer A  blow  got  past  his 

guard  and  pierced  his  thigh.     He  had  strength  for 
only   one   more   stroke;   and  he   gathered   it   for  a 
final  rush  and  balanced  himself  for  the  opportunity. 
So  fierce  was  the  conflict  that  no  one  noticed  the 


80  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

approach  of  De  Lacy  until,  with  a  shout  of  ^^  Au 
secours!  "  he  rode  down  upon  them.  He  had  out- 
stripped all  his  escort,  except  his  squire,  and  even  he 
was  several  lengths  behind.  Taken  by  surprise,  the 
assailants  hesitated  a  moment,  and  so  lost  their 
only  opportunity  for  escape.  With  a  sweep  of  his 
long  sword  he  shore  a  head  clean  from  its  shoulders ; 
another  man  went  down  before  his  horse's  rush ;  and 
then,  swinging  in  a  demi-volte,  he  split  a  third 
through  collar-bone  and  deep  into  the  breast.  Mean- 
Avhile,  the  old  Knight  had  slain  one  and  Giles 
Dauvrey  had  stopped  the  flight  of  another.  But 
one  escaped,  and  he,  in  the  confusion,  had  darted 
into  the  forest  and  was  quickly  lost  amid  its  shadows. 

"  By  St.  Luke,  sir ! "  said  the  old  Knight,  as  he 
leaned  heavily  on  his  sword,  "  your  coming  was  most 
opportune.    My  strength  was  almost  spent." 

"  It  was  a  gallant  fight,"  said  Aymer.  "  I  feared 
every  instant  they  would  close  ere  I  could  reach 
you But  you  are  wounded !  " 

"  Nay,  they  are  only  scratches  and  will  heal  shortly 
— yet  the  leg  grows  heavy  and  I  would  best  rest 
it,"  and  he  seated  himself  on  the  turf  at  the  foot  of 
the  tree.  *'  This  comes  of  riding  in  silk  instead  of 
steel — certes,  I  am  old  enough  to  know  better." 

De  Lacy  dismounted  and  aided  him  to  examine  his 
wounds.  The  only  one  of  any  consequence  was  in 
the  leg ;  it  had  been  made  by  a  sword  thrust ;  and  the 
point  having  penetrated  only  the  fleshy  part  of  the 
thigh>  no  material  damage  was  inflicted. 


A  WAYSIDE  SKIRMISH  81 

"  Were  you  alone  when  assaulted  ?  "  asked  De 
Lacy,  the  while  he  was  binding  a  scarf  around  the 
injury. 

"  Yes — and  another  piece  of  childishness.  I  had 
despatched  my  squire  on  a  sudden  errand,  a  short 
ways  back,  and  had  no  notion  of  danger,  when  these 
rogues  suddenly  set  upon  me.  I  made  short  work 
of  two  of  them  and  would  have  got  through,  with- 
out difficulty,  but  for  the  death  of  my  horse.  They 
stabbed  him,  as  you  see.  Then  I  got  my  back 
against  the  tree  and  managed  to  keep  them  off  for  a 
period.  The  rest  you  know.  And  to  whom  am  I  so 
heavily  indebted.''  " 

"  My  name  is  Aymer  de  Lacy." 

"  By  St.  Luke !  John  de  Bury  is  glad  that  it  is  to 
a  De  Lacy  he  owes  his  life." 

"  Are  you  Sir  John  de  Bury  of  Craigston  Cas- 
tle.? " 

"  The  same — although,  but  for  you  I  would  be  of 
the  Kingdom  of  Spirits  instead." 

"  It  would  appear  that  my  coming  was  very 
timely  for  us  both,"  said  De  Lacy,  "  for  my  mission 
in  these  parts  is  with  you." 

"  With  me  ?  "  Sir  John  de  Bury  exclaimed,  strug- 
gling to  his  feet.  "  Then,  if  you  will  let  me  have  a 
horse,  I  will  ride  beside  you  to  the  castle — it  is  less 
than  half  a  league  distant." 

"  One  moment,   Sir  John,"  said  Aymer.     "  Did 

you  recognize  any  of  your  assailants  ?  " 

"  Not  one,  by  St.  Luke,"  said  De  Bury.     "  Some 
6 


8«  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

rascally  robbers,  I  fancy;  there  are  enough  of  them 
in  these  parts." 

De  Lacy  motioned  to  Raynor. 

"  Do  you  know  this  carrion  ?"  he  asked. 

The  veteran  dismounted  and  examined  the  bodies ; 
turning  with  his  foot  those  that  had  fallen  face 
downward. 

"  They  are  strangers  to  me,  my  lord,"  he  said. 
**  I  never  saw  hair  of  them  before.  But,  perchance, 
this  fellow  can  give  you  some  information,"  and 
suddenly  stooping,  he  seized  one  of  the  seeming  dead 
men  by  the  neck  and  jerked  him  to  his  feet.  "Answer 
the  Knight,  rogue,"  he  said.  "  Raynor  Royk  has 
seen  too  many  dead  bodies  to  be  fooled  by  one  that 
has  not  a  scratch  upon  it." 

"  By  St.  Denis !  "  said  De  Lacy,  "  ho  is  the  one 
my  good  horse  knocked  over.  I  clean  forgot  him. 
How  now,  fellow,"  he  continued  sternly,  "  what  mean 
you  by  assaulting  a  Knight  upon  the  King's  high- 
way ;  and  who  set  you  up  to  such  work  ?  " 

The  man,  who  had  been  simulating  death,  hoping 
so  to  escape,  regarded  De  Lacy  with  a  frown  and  in 
sullen  silence. 

"  Speak,"  said  Raynor,  giving  him  a  shake  that 
made  his  teeth  rattle. 

For  answer  he  suddenly  plucked  a  small  dagger 
from  a  concealed  sheath  and,  twisting  around,  struck 
full  and  hard  at  the  old  soldier's  face,  which  was 
unprotected  by  the  steel  cap.  Raynor  sprang  back 
and  avoided  the  blow,  but  in  so  doing  he  released 


A  WAYSIDE  SKIRMISH  83 

his  hold,  and  the  rogue  dashed  instantly  for  cover. 
No  one  was  in  his  way  and  his  escape  seemed  certain, 
for  the  heavily  armed  men  of  De  Lacy  would  have 
no  chance  in  a  foot  race  with  one  lightly  clad. 
With  two  bounds  he  had  reached  the  line  of  trees 
and  was  almost  secure  when,  like  a  flash,  Giles 
Dauvrey  drew  his  heavy  dagger  and  hurled  it  after 
him.  The  point  struck  full  in  the  centre  of  the  neck 
and  sank  deep  into  flesh  and  bone.  With  a  gurgling 
cry  he  plunged  forward  and  lay  still — dead  before 
his  body  touched  the  turf. 

"  By  St.  Peter !  a  neat  throw.  Sir  Squire,"  said 
Raynor,  as  he  jerked  out  the  weapon  and  handed  it 
to  Dauvrey.     "  I  mind  never  to  have  seen  a  better." 

"  Toss  the  other  carrion  by  the  roadside,"  said 
De  Lacy ;  "  we  tarry  here  no  longer." 


vn 

A  Favor  Lost 

When  De  Lacy,  armed  for  the  road,  sought  his 
host  the  following  morning  to  say  farewell,  he  found 
him  in  an  easy  chair  near  the  fireplace  in  the  hall, 
with  his  wounded  leg  resting  on  a  stool,  and  the 
answer  to  Gloucester's  letter  in  his  hand.  The  old 
Knight  made  as  though  to  arise,  but  the  younger 
quickly  placed  his  hand  upon  his  shoulder  and  held 
him  firm  in  his  seat. 

"  Not  so.  Sir  John,"  he  insisted.  "  Do  you  remain 
quiet ;  I  know  the  way  to  the  courtyard." 

"  It  grieves  me  sore  that  you  cannot  stay  with 
me  longer,"  said  De  Bury,  allowing  himself  to  be 
persuaded.  "  Yet  I  hope  that  we  shall  soon  meet 
again.  Craigston  Castle  is  ever  ready  to  receive 
you." 

"  And  it  shall  have  the  chance,  I  assure  you,  when 
I  am  again  in  these  parts — though  our  next  meeting 
is  likely  to  be  in  London ;  His  Grace  will  scarce  soon 
return  to  the  North." 

"  Mayhap,"  replied  Sir  John ;  **  but  for  the  pres- 
ent, my  wound  and  my  duties  keep  me  here.  And,  to 
speak  truly,  I  am  not  unwilling;  when  you  have 
reached  my  age.  Sir  Aymcr,  you  will  care  little  for 
the  empty  splendor  of  the  Court — and  that  reminds 
84 


A  FAVOR  LOST  85 

me:  you  may  meet  there  my  niece,  the  Countess  of 
Clare,  and  if  you  do — verily,  you  have  met  her,"  as 
De  Lacy  smiled,  "  and  have  been  stricken  like  the 
rest.  Beware,  my  son,  your  corselet  is  no  protection 
against  the  shafts  of  a  woman's  eyes." 

"  In  truth,  I  know  it,"  De  Lacy  laughed.  "  I  have 
met  the  Countess  and  ....  it  is  needless  to  say 
more.  Yet  it  was  at  Pontefract  and  not  at  Windsor 
that  I  saw  her.  She  is  with  the  Duchess  of  Glouces- 
ter." 

"  In  sooth !  .  .  .  .  And  you  are  with  the  Duke 
of  Gloucester,"  said  De  Bury,  with  a  shrewd  smile. 
"It  is  either  fortune  most  rare  or  fate  most  drear. 
By  St.  Luke!  I  believe  the  debt  has  shifted  and 
that  you  should  thank  me  for  having  had  the  oppor- 
tunity to  save  her  uncle's  life.  Nay,  I  did  but  jest," 
he  added  hastily.  "  You  have  seen  many  a  face, 
doubtless,  in  sunny  France  fairer  far  than  hers; 
yet  is  she  very  dear  to  me  and  winning  to  my  old 
eyes.  Should  you  see  her  as  you  pass  Pontefract — 
if  you  return  that  way — say  to  her  that  I  am  here, 
and  that  a  short  visit  from  her  would  be  very 
welcome." 

*'  It  may  be  that  the  Duchess  has  left  the  castle," 
replied  Aymer,  "  but  your  message  shall  reach  the 
Countess." 

**  Best  deliver  it  in  person,"  said  Sir  John,  kindly. 

*'  Trust  me  for  that,"  De  Lacy  answered — "  and 
now  farewell." 

*'  A  most  gallant  youth,"  said  De  Biary,  when 


86  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Sir  Aymer  was  gone,  "  and  of  the  right  fighting 
stock ;  yet,  if  I  mistake  not,  that  sweet  niece  of  mine 
is  likely  to  make  trouble  for  him." 

The  shorter  route  to  London  was  by  Sheffield,  but 
De  Lacy  chose  to  go  by  way  of  Pontefract. 
It  would,  of  course,  bring  him  upon  the  main  high- 
way between  York  and  London  further  North  than 
by  the  Sheffield  road;  yet  he  took  the  chance  of  the 
Duke  being  delayed  an  extra  day  at  York,  in  which 
event  he  would  be  able  to  await  him  at  Don- 
caster,  and  join  him  at  that  place  instead  of  at 
Nottingham. 

It  was  still  wanting  something  of  noon  when  the 
low  white  walls  of  Kirkstall  glinted  before  them. 
De  Lacy  rode  steadily  on,  however,  nodding  pleas- 
antly to  the  porter,  who  was  standing  in  the  gateway, 
but  declining  his  invitation  to  enter.  It  was  better, 
he  thought,  that  Abbot  Aldam  should  have  no  oppor- 
tunity to  question  his  men  as  to  their  destination  of 
yesterday.  When  they  reached  the  banks  of  Aire,  he 
ordered  a  short  halt;  then  swinging  again  into  sad- 
dle, they  splashed  through  the  clear  waters  and 
breasting  the  opposite  bank  resumed  the  march  at  a 
rapid  walk.  Presently  a  body  of  horsemen  hove  in 
sight  and,  as  they  approached,  De  Lacy  eyed  them 
carefully.  They  were  less  than  a  dozen  in  number, 
and  though  they  displayed  no  banner,  yet  the  sun 
gleamed  from  steel  head-pieces  and  chamf rons.  The 
man  in  front,  however,  was  plainly  not  in  armor  and 
his  herse  was  strangely  small.     Then,  as  the  dis- 


A  FAVOR  LOST  87 

tance  was  reduced,  the  horse  became  an  ass  and  the 
rider  the  Abbot  of  Kirkstall. 

"  You  travel  early,  Lord  Abbot,"  said  Aymer,  as 
they  met  and  halted. 

"  It  is  of  our  calling,  my  son.  Religion  knows  no 
night.  But  you  also  must  have  risen  early — on  your 
way  to  the  Coronation — Deo  volente.?  "  with  a  quiz- 
zical smile. 

"  As  fast  as  horse  will  carry  me." 

"  Perchance  you  may  overtake  the  Duke  of  Glou- 
cester; he  left  York  to-day,  I  believe." 

"  He  has  rather  a  long  start,  methinks,  for  a 
stem  chase,"  replied  Aymer. 

"  Six  hundred  men  move  not  so  quickly  as  twelve, 
my  son,"  said  the  monk.  "  Indeed,  you  might  come 
up  with  him  at  Nottingham,"  he  added  carelessly. 

"  Peradventure,  yes — Deo  volente,"  wondering 
how  much  the  Abbot  knew  of  the  matter  and  how 
much  was  shrewd  conjecture.  "  But  will  not  your 
reverence  attend  the  Coronation.''  There  is  sure  to 
be  a  brave  array  of  churchmen  there." 

"  No  doubt,"  returned  the  Abbot ;  "  but  I  care  lit- 
tle for  such  gay  scenes  or  for  the  intrigues  of  the 
Court.  A  country  priest  has  no  training  for  such 
traps.  However,  I  trust  we  shall  soon  meet  again; 
and,  meanwhile,  Kirkstall's  gates  are  always  open 
to  you.     Pax  vobiscum." 

"  Hypocritical  liar,"  muttered  De  Lacy,  when  the 
two  troops  had  passed.  "  I  would  think  twice  ere  I 
trusted  myself  in  your  power  if  I  chanced  to  be  an 


88  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

obstacle  to  your  schemes.  Giles,  what  think  you  of 
yon  Abbot?" 

"  He  is  much  of  his  kind  and  I  like  not  the  breed," 
replied  Dauvrey.  "  Methinks  he  resembles  rather  his 
brethren  of  Italy  than  those  I  have  seen  in  this  land 
of  mist  and  fog.  He  has  been  meddling  with  us,  I 
warrant." 

The  Knight  laughed. 

"  He  has  shown  a  most  Christian  solicitude  for  us, 
at  all  events,"  he  said. 

When  De  Lacy  drew  rein  before  the  barbican  of 
Pontefract,  there  was  no  need  to  wind  horn  to  gain 
entrance,  for  the  drawbridge  was  down  and  Lord 
Darby,  with  a  score  of  attendants,  was  just  depart- 
ing. 

"  Now  what  in  Satan's  name  brought  him  back.?  " 
Aymer  muttered — ^though  he  knew  the  answer  well 
enough.  Then  he  raised  his  hand  in  salute.  *'  I 
give  you  greeting,  my  lord,"  he  said. 

And  Darby  was  even  less  pleased,  for  he  was 
going  and  De  Lacy  was  coming ;  but  he,  too,  masked 
his  face,  and  gave  the  welcome  back  in  kind. 

"  Methought  you  would  be  with  the  Duke,"  he 
observed,  drawing  aside  to  let  his  men  pass. 

**  And  methought  you  were  by  now  in  London," 
De  Lacy  returned. 

Darby  smiled  at  the  evasion.  "  Are  you  not  for 
the  Coronation?  "  he  asked  bluntly. 

De  Lacy  nodded.  "  Indeed,  yes — unless  I  am  uh- 
towardly  prevented." 


A  FAVOR  LOST  89 

"  If  you  fare  further  to-day,"  said  Darby,  "  I  will 
wait  and  we  can  ride  together  to  Doncaster — a  short 
delay  will  be  well  repaid  by  your  company." 

It  was  but  a  play  to  know  if  De  Lacy  intended  to 
stay  the  night  at  Pontefract,  and  it  got  its  answer 
instantly. 

"  Your  Lordship  tempts  me  sorely,"  said  Sir  Ay- 
mer,  "  but  I  am  obliged  to  remain  here  until  the 
morrow."  Then  he  smiled  blandly  at  him ;  "  it  is  un- 
fortunate you  have  already  started,"  he  added. 

Darby's  black  eyes  brightened. 

"  Yes,"  said  he,  "  it  is." 

He  glanced  quickly  toward  his  escort,  which  was 
now  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  and  laid  his  hand  upon 
his  bugle,  as  though  to  sound  the  recall — then  he 
gave  a  mocking  laugh. 

"  The  luck  is  yours,  this  toss,"  he  said ;  and  with 
a  wave  of  his  hand,  that  might  have  been  as  much 
a  menace  as  a  farewell,  he  spurred  away. 

There  were  no  faces  at  the  windows  as  De  Lacy 
crossed  the  courtyard,  and  he  despatched  a  page  to 
acquaint  the  Countess  of  Clare  of  his  arrival  and  of 
his  desire  for  a  short  interview.  Presently  the  boy 
returned  with  the  information  that  the  Countess  was 
with  the  Duchess,  and  that  she  could  not  see  him  be- 
fore evening. 

He  sought  the  presence  chamber  at  the  usual 
hour,  but  it  was  deserted ;  and  after  waiting  a  short 
while  he  was  on  the  point  of  leaving  when  the  arras 
suddenly  parted  and  the  Countess  entered. 


90  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  I  am  glad  to  see  you,"  she  said,  giving  him 
her  hand,  "  even  though  you  arc  a  laggard  and  a 
thief." 

"  Why  laggard  ?  "  De  Lacy  asked. 

*'  Because  you  should  be  with  the  Duke  and  not 
here." 

**  Granted,"  said  he.  "  Did  you  call  Lord  Darby 
laggard,  too-f*  " 

"  You  will  have  to  ask  him ;  I  do  not  now  remem- 
ber." 

"  I  passed  him  at  the  gate,  and  from  his  temper  I 
might  guess  you  called  him  even  worse." 

"  At  least  I  know  I  did  not  dub  him  thief."  Then 
she  held  out  her  hand.  "  The  kerchief,"  she  said  per- 
emptorily. 

De  Lacy  slowly  drew  forth  the  bit  of  lace. 

*'  Rather  would  I  lose  a  quartering,"  he  said 
very  gently,  "  yet,  in  honor,  I  may  not  keep  it 
against  your  will." 

*'  And  honor,"  said  she  seriously,  as  she  took  the 
kerchief,    "  is    dearer    far    than    all    our    quarter- 

ings What  brings  you  back  to  Ponte- 

fract?" 

"  You,"  said  De  Lacy,  smilingly. 

"Of  course!  but  what  else? — be  serious." 

"  I  am  serious.  But  for  you  I  would  be  riding 
fast  and  hard  after  the  Duke.  I  stopped  at  Ponte- 
fract  for  two  purposes ;  of  which,  one  was  to  deliver 
to  you  a  message  from  that  gallant  Knight,  Sir  John 
de  Bury." 


A  FAVOR  LOST  91 

"  My  uncle !  "  she  exclaimed.  "  He  is  in  Scot- 
land." 

De  Lacy  shook  his  head.  "  He  is  now  at  Craigs- 
ton  Castle,  whence  I  have  just  come,  and  bring  you 
his  loving  greetings." 

"  The  dear  old  man !    How  is  he  ?  " 

"  As  strong  as  an  oak,  save  for  a  slight  wound." 

"  Wounded !  How — ^where .''  "  she  demanded,  with 
sharp  concern. 

"  Only  a  sword  thrust  in  the  thigh,  got  in  a  skir- 
mish with  some  brigands  about  this  hour  yesterday," 
said  De  Lacy;  and  told  her  the  story  of  the  fray 
in  detail. 

At  the  end  the  Countess  arose. 

"  I  must  go  now,"  she  said.  "  The  Duchess  will 
need  me;  but  first,  tell  me  the  other  purpose  that 
halted  you  here." 

"  The  other,"  replied  De  Lacy  slowly,  "  has  been 
accomplished." 

She  looked  at  him  questioningly. 

"  How  so,  if  it  were  on  my  account  you  tarried.'*  " 

Aymer  smiled. 

"  That  I  shall  leave  for  you  to  guess,"  he  said. 

To  his  amazement  the  Countess  did  not  reprove 
him,  but  blushed  and  looked  away. 

He  bent  eagerly  toward  her. 

"  My  lady,"  he  said,  "  in  all  the  years  I  have 
worn  spurs,  I  have  yet  to  ask  gage  of  woman.  To- 
morrow I  fare  where  there  may  be  fightings  enough, 
as  you  well  know.     Grant  me,  I  pray,  some  token. 


92  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

and  let  my  first  sword  stroke  in  England  be  as  your 
Knight." 

*'  Did  you  strike  no  blow  yesterday  ?  "  she  asked. 

*'  None  of  which  a  soldier  may  be  proud — it  was 
but  a  lot  of  canaille." 

For  a  moment  the  Countess  looked  him  steadily 
in  the  eyes — then  answered  in  those  tones  of  finality 
from  which  he  knew  there  lay  no  appeal. 

"  Sir  Aymer,  you  ask  for  that  which  no  man  has 
ever  had  from  me.  Many  times — and  I  say  it  with- 
out pride — has  it  been  sought  by  Knights  most 
worthy ;  yet  to  them  all  have  I  ever  given  nay.  Bea- 
trix de  Beaumont  bestows  nor  gage  nor  favor  until 
she  plight  her  troth." 

With  a  smile,  whose  sweetness  De  Lacy  long  re- 
membered in  after  days,  she  gave  him  her  hand, 
and  he  bent  low  over  it  and  touched  it  to  his  lips. 
Then  suddenly  she  whisked  it  from  him  and  was 
gone  behind  the  arras. 


vm 

The  Inn  of  Northampton 

When  De  Lacy — now  in  ordinary  riding  dress, 
his  armor  having  been  relegated  to  the  baggage 
beasts — reached  the  main  highway  the  following 
morning,  he  looked  in  vain  for  the  dust  of  Glouces- 
ter's column  or  the  glimmer  of  sun  on  steel.  The 
road  was  deserted.  Not  a  traveler  was  in  sight, 
and  there  being  no  means  of  ascertaining  if  the 
Duke  had  passed,  he  adopted  the  only  safe  course 
and  took  up  the  march  for  London.  Presently,  upon 
cresting  a  hill,  they  met  a  pair  of  Black  Friars 
trudging  slowly  along  towards  York;  but  little 
information  was  obtained  from  them,  for  they  had 
not  been  on  the  road  yesterday,  having  spent  the 
last  week  at  a  neighboring  monastery,  which  they 
had  quit  only  that  morning.  It  was  rumored  there, 
however,  that  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  had  passed 
southward  the  prior  day  with  a  great  train  of  at- 
tendants. This,  at  least,  was  some  slight  indication, 
and  thanking  them  courteously  De  Lacy  jogged  on; 
but  it  was  not  until  they  reached  Doncaster,  about 
noon,  that  accurate  knowledge  of  the  Duke  was 
obtained. 

Halting  before  the  inn  of  the  "  Silver  Sun,"  a 
ramshackle    old   house,    from    over   whose   door,   as 

93 


94  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

proclaiming  the  character  of  the  place,  projected  a 
long  pole  with  a  bunch  of  furze  on  the  end,  De  Lacj 
called,  "  Ho,  within !  » 

The  landlord,  a  big,  blear-eyed  rogue,  much  the 
worse  for  wear  and  ale,  came  shambling  out  at  the 
summons.  His  listlessness  vanished  quickly  enough, 
however,  at  sight  of  the  Knight  and  his  following; 
and  bowing  to  the  ground  he  asked  how  he  might 
serve  them. 

"  With  food  and  drink,  good  fellow,"  said  De 
Lacy ;  "  and  that  right  quickly." 

"  Your  worship  shall  be  accommodated  immedi- 
ately with  what  I  have,"  said  the  man  with  another 
bow  that  almost  overbalanced  him,  *'  but  if  it  is 
meagre,  blame  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  and  his 
men." 

"  His  Grace  has  passed  ?  "  asked  Aymer. 

"God's  truth!  he  has,"  said  the  fellow.  "He 
precedes  you  by  a  day.  And,  saving  your  lord- 
ship, if  you  travel  to  the  Coronation,  methinks  you 
will  have  but  scant  fare  along  the  road.  They  eat 
things  clean  as  they  go — ^but  pay  good  silver  for  it." 

"  How  many  has  the  Duke  in  his  train  ?  " 

"  At  least  six  hundred,  I  should  say." 

"  He  has  doubled  his  force  since  he  left  Ponte- 
fract,"  observed  Aymer  to  his  squire,  as  the  inn- 
keeper retired.  "  And  there  may  be  truth  in  what 
the  rogue  says — we  may  find  slender  provision  in 
the  wake  of  such  a  column." 

"  If  there  be  enough  for  the  horses,  we  can  soon 


THE  INN  OF  NORTHAMPTON         95 

overtake  them,"  said  the  squire ;  "  for  the  men,  it 
matters  Httle:    we  all  are  soldiers," 

De  Lacj  nodded.  "  We  will  push  on  steadily, 
and  though  I  know  little  of  this  country,  I  fancy  we 
will  come  up  with  the  Duke  by  to-morrow  night." 

"  By  your  lordship's  permission,"  said  old  Ray- 
nor  Royk  respectfully,  who  had  overheard  the  con- 
versation, "  we  shall  not  see  the  White  Boar  banner 
this  side  Leicester  town,  and  we  shall  scarce  reach 
there  before  the  evening  of  the  second  day  from 
now." 

And  the  old  veteran,  as  events  proved,  was 
correct  in  his  calculation. 

When  De  Lacy  entered  Leicester,  he  hailed  the 
first  soldier  he  chanced  upon  and  was  informed  that 
Gloucester  lodged  at  the  "  White  Boar,"  near  the 
center  of  the  town.  It  was  a  large  and  handsome 
stone  house,  with  the  second  floor  of  timber  over- 
hanging the  street ;  and  before  it  swung  the  painted 
sign :  a  white  boar  and  a  thorn  bush,  indicating  that 
the  place  was  named  in  honor  of  the  Duke.  And  De 
Lacy  smiled  as  he  thought  how,  to  his  own  knowl- 
edge, at  least  half  a  dozen  inns  on  the  Continent  had 
been  hastily  compelled  to  rechristen  themselves  when, 
from  some  cause  or  other,  the  particular  individual 
whose  name  or  arms  they  bore  fell  suddenly  into 
disgrace.  That  such  might  happen  in  this  case,  how- 
ever, never  crossed  his  mind. 

Passing  the  guards,  who  knew  him  and  saluted,  he 
entered  the  house,  but  was  stopped  at  once  by  two 


96  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

strange  squires,  who  informed  him  that  the  Duke 
was  at  present  engaged.  But  even  as  they  spoke,  the 
inner  door  opened  and  Sir  Richard  Ratdiffe  came 
out. 

**  Welcome  back.  Sir  Aymer,"  he  exclaimed.  "  The 
Duke  has  inquired  for  you.  Why  were  you  not  an- 
nounced? " 

"  I  was  told  he  was  engaged,"  said  Aymer. 

"  That  was  because  they  did  not  know  you  were 
of  the  Household.  Come — "  and  himself  admitted 
him. 

The  Duke  was  alone,  seated  before  a  rough  table 
with  his  head  upon  his  hand,  and  he  did  not  stir 
until  De  Lacy  stood  directly  before  him.  Then  rais- 
ing his  eyes  he  fastened  them  intently  upon  the 
young  Knight's  face,  though  without  sternness. 

"  You  stopped  at  Pontefract,"  he  said. 

"  I  did,  so  please  you,"  replied  Aymer  promptly. 
"  I  could  gain  but  little  by  going  farther  that 
evening." 

"  And  might  gain  much  by  staying,"  said  Glou- 
cester, sententiously.  "  However,  I  am  glad,  since 
you  can  give  me  word  of  the  Duchess.  How  fares 
she.?" 

"  As  when  you  left,  my  lord.  She  sent  her  loving 
wishes  to  you." 

Then  drawing  out  De  Bury's  letter,  he  presented 
it  without  remark. 

Richard  read  It  carefully,  and  inquired  regarding 
the  journey  to  Craigston  Castle.    De  Lacy  narrated 


.- ,v  ,  -  ^I&i2;3il 


THE  DUKE   FASTENED   HIS  EYES  UPON  THE  YOUNG  KNIGHT'S  FACE 


THE  INN  OF  NORTHAMPTON         97 

briefly  the  incident  of  the  attack  upon  Sir  John,  but 
detailed  at  length  the  conduct  of  the  Abbot  of  Kirk- 
stall.  The  Duke,  however,  seemed  more  interested 
in  the  assault  than  in  the  priest,  and  asked  particu- 
larly concerning  the  assailants.  But  on  learning 
that  neither  De  Bury  nor  the  veteran  Royk  had  rec- 
ognized any  of  them,  he  dropped  the  matter  with  the 
remark : 

"  You  have  profited  by  your  experience  on  the 
Continent.  Not  many  would  have  thought  to  inves- 
tigate these  seeming  outlaws." 

De  Lacy  thanked  the  Duke  for  his  words,  and 
after  being  informed  that  he  was  to  lodge  at  the  inn 
with  the  rest  of  the  suite,  and  that  the  march  would 
be  resumed  an  hour  after  daybreak,  he  withdrew, 
and  having  dismissed  the  squire  with  the  horses 
went  in  search  of  Dacre  or  De  Wilton. 

It  was  a  brave  array  that  passed  out  of  Leicester 
that  Tuesday  morning  behind  the  royal  Duke,  and  in 
soldiery  fitness,  man  for  man,  its  like  was  not  in  Eng- 
land, But  it  was  a  peculiar  march,  withal.  No  flour- 
ish of  trumpets  heralded  the  advance ;  no  gaudy  cos- 
tumes clothed  the  attending  Knights.  The  bugles 
were  hushed,  save  where  necessary  to  convey  an 
order ;  the  banners  were  bound  in  sable ;  upon  every 
man  was  the  badge  of  mourning;  Richard  himself 
was  clad  in  black,  and  the  trappings  of  his  horse  were 
raven-hued.  Not  since  the  great  Henry  died  at  Vin- 
cennes,  sixty  and  more  years  before,  had  England 
mourned  for  a  King;  and  as  they  passed  along  the 


98  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

highway  and  through  the  straggling  villages,  the 
people  wondered  at  the  soberly  garbed  and  quiet  col- 
umn, forgetting,  for  the  moment,  that  Edward  the 
Fourth  was  sleeping  in  the  chapel  of  St.  George  at 
Windsor  and  that  his  successor  was  not  yet  crowned. 

All  morning  Gloucester  rode  steadily  onward,  halt- 
ing near  noon  at  a  wayside  hostelry  for  refreshment. 
The  keeper,  unnerved  at  the  sudden  advent  of  such 
a  guest,  could  only  stand  and  stare  at  the  Duke, 
forgetting  in  his  amazement  even  the  accustomed 
bow  with  which  he  would  have  greeted  an  ordinary 
wayfarer,  until  a  sharp  word  from  Catesby  brought 
him  to  his  wits. 

When  the  meal  was  almost  finished,  a  sudden  com- 
motion arose  outside,  and  the  door  was  opened  to  ad- 
mit one  whose  appearance  showed  every  evidence  of 
a  rapid  ride. 

"Speak,"  said  Richard. 

The  messenger  saluted.  "  So  please  you,  my  lord, 
His  Majesty  will  reach  Northampton  by  four  o'clock 
this  afternoon." 

Gloucester  nodded;  then  arose  and  drew  on  his 
gauntlets. 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  he,  "  we  may  not  daUy  longer. 
Order  up  the  horses,  RatcliiFe,  and  let  the  route  be 
sounded;  we  must  be  at  Northampton  ere  the  ves- 
pers chime." 

"  There  will  be  some  shrewd  tongue  play,  me- 
thinks,  and  perchance  sharp  action  this  night,"  re- 
marked De  Wilton  to  De  Lacy  as,  late  in  the  after- 


THE  INN  OF  NORTHAMPTON         99 

noon,  the  towers  of  Northampton  Hfted  before  them. 
"  Rivers  and  Grey  are  with  young  Edward — it  will 
be  Woodville  against  Plantagenet,  and  England  for 
the  stakes." 

"  A  royal  game,  indeed,"  said  De  Lacy ;  "  yet, 
surely,  Edward's  kingdom  is  secure." 

"  Pasque  Dieu !  "  exclaimed  De  Wilton,  "  I  can 
answer  that  better  after  he  is  crowned.  All  that  I 
think  now  is  that  the  situation  is  very  grave.  This 
meeting  in  yonder  town  is  big  with  fate." 

"  I  fear  I  am  too  new  to  my  native  land  to  appre- 
ciate the  present  situation,"  replied  De  Lacy ;  "  yet 
I  hope  that  war  may  be  averted.  There  has  been 
bloodshed  enough  in  this  fair  land  since  the  Roses 
were  plucked." 

"  By  St.  George !  my  heart  is  with  yours,"  re- 
turned De  Wilton  instantly ;  "  yet,  mark  me,  this 
night  will  make  history  for  England.  If  not,  then 
I  mistake  the  Duke  of  Gloucester.  It  is  obvious 
now  that,  to  him,  this  meeting  is  no  accident — it 
was  timed  for  most  adroitly.  Why  did  he  tarry  so 
long  at  Pontefract,  unless  because  it  were  easier  to 
prick  the  Woodville  bubble  at  Northampton  than 
in  London.'* " 

"  You  know  the  Prince  far  better  than  I,"  said 
De  Lacy,  "  but  perchance  you  do  not  know  that  with 
Rivers  ride  two  thousand  men.  If  Gloucester  in- 
tended such  a  course,  why  did  he  not  bring  a  larger 
following.''  He  was  fully  advised  of  the  number  of 
the  King's  escort." 


100  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

*'  Because  it  would  have  aroused  instant  suspi- 
cion and  left  him  no  recourse  but  to  force.  He 
has  some  other  plan,  I  warrant.  Yet,  should  it  come 
to  blows,  Richard  himself  is  equal  to  a  thousand 
men." 

"  Scarce  so  much  as  that,  I  fancy,"  said  De  Lacy, 
with  a  laugh.  "  Nathless,  sooner  will  I  ride  behind 
the  Boar  of  Gloucester  with  six  hundred  swords  than 
under  the  Woodville  banner  with  thrice  the  number." 

"Well  said,  by  St.  George!"  De  Wilton  ex- 
claimed.   "  No  Lancastrian  upstart  for  me." 

"  Be  not  so  energetic.  Sir  Ralph,"  said  De  Lacy, 
as  RatclifFe,  hearing  the  words,  looked  back.  "  But 
tell  me,  I  pray,  who  are  these  that  approach?  " 

"  Your  eyes  are  keener  than  mine,"  returned  De 
Wilton,  "  for  I  can  scarce  discern  them  at  all.  Is 
there  any  banner  displayed?  " 

"  Aye,  but  I  cannot  yet  distinguish  the  device. 
.  .  .  .  There  are  at  least  fifty  of  them,  and  they 
are  riding  most  marvellously  fast.  By  St.  Denis ! 
they  cannot  travel  far  at  such  a  pace.  When  the 
sun  next  falls  athwart  the  banner,  I  will  try  to 

make  it  out There    ....    Pardieu ! 

it  is  a  queer  bearing:  argent,  a  la  fasce-canton  a 
dextre  de  gueules.-  Do  you  know  it,  or  have  I  not 
read  it  aright?  " 

"  Nay,  your  heraldry  is  not  amiss,"  said  De  Wil- 
ton. "  It  is  the  red  fess  and  canton  of  the  Wood- 
villes.  Yonder  comes  Lord  Anthony  of  Scales  and 
Rivers." 


THE  INN  OF  NORTHAMPTON       101 

"  Then  the  struggle  is  on,  I  ween,"  remarked  De 
Lacy.  "  Let  us  move  closer  to  the  Duke.  I  would 
not  miss  this  meeting." 

When  the  horsemen  were  a  short  distance  awaj, 
they  broke  from  a  hand  gallop  into  a  walk,  and  then 
all  halted  except  the  two  who  were  in  front.  Of 
these,  one  was  a  man  nearing  middle  age,  of  most 
courtly  bearing  and  noble  countenance;  while  his 
companion,  who  resembled  him  somewhat,  was  con- 
siderably younger.  Meanwhile,  Gloucester  had  kept 
steadily  on ;  but  when  the  others  dismounted  and  ad- 
vanced on  foot,  he  instantly  drew  rein,  and  as  Rat- 
cliffe  threw  himself  from  the  saddle  and  held  the 
stirrup  he  stepped  to  the  ground. 

"  Welcome,  noble  Rivers  and  Grey ! "  he  ex- 
claimed.    "  How  fares  His  Majesty?  " 

The  two  men  bent  over  the  Duke's  hands,  and  the 
elder  replied :  "  Fit  as  a  King,  and  most  anxious  to 
greet  his  great  and  noble  uncle." 

'*  Not  more  than  is  his  uncle  to  greet  him,"  said 
Gloucester;  and  Rivers  read  two  meanings  in  the 
words.  "  Therefore,  let  us  proceed ;  and  do  you 
and  Sir  Richard  ride  beside  me ;  I  have  questions  by 
the  score  to  ask," 

Presently,  as  they  neared  the  gate  of  the  town, 
Gloucester  turned  to  the  Earl. 

"  Where  does  the  King  lodge — at  the  castle  ?  "  he 
asked. 

"  His  Majesty,"  replied  Rivers,  with  a  quick 
glance  at  the  Duke,  "  has  a  boy's  eagerness  to  reach 


102  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

London,  and  insisted  upon  pushing  on  as  far  as 
Stonej  Stratford  this  afternoon.  He  had  already 
left  Northampton  when  we  learned  of  your  approach. 
A  moment  more  and  we  also  would  have  been  gone, 
for  it  found  us  with  foot  in  stirrup." 

There  was  a  smile  on  the  Duke's  lips  as  he  listened 
to  this  unexpected  news. 

*'  I  do  not  wonder  at  Edward's  haste,"  he  an- 
swered lightly.  "  Who  would  not  be  impatient  when 
a  crown  is  waiting  for  him  ? — though  I  regret  that  it 
postpones  our  meeting  till  the  morrow." 

"  You  will  not  follow  the  King  to-night  ?  "  asked 
Rivers    quickly. 

"  No,  I  shall  lie  here  if  you  and  Sir  Richard  will 
bear  me  company.  But  if  you  rejoin  him,  I  must 
perforce  go,  too — for  me  now  to  remain  here  alone 
would  be  discourteous." 

"  Your  Grace  honors  us  overmuch ;  we  shall  stay 
and  gladly,"  replied  Rivers  readily.  "  Edward  has 
the  others  of  his  Household,  and  can  spare  us  for 
one  night." 

"  Marry,  yes  !  "  said  Richard.  "  Vaughan  and 
Croft  and  Worcester's  Bishop  can  hold  him  tight 
enough,  else  has  the  Welsh  air  changed  them 
greatly." 

At  the  large  inn  near  the  market-place  the  party 
halted,  and  Gloucester,  after  a  few  words  aside  witH 
RatclifFe,  summoned  Catesby  and  retired  to  his  room. 
An  hour  later  he  descended  and  requested  Rivers  and 
Grey  to  join  him  at  the  evening  meal. 


THE  INN  OF  NORTHAMPTON       103 

Scarcely  had  it  begun  when  down  the  street  came 
the  rattle  of  bridle-rings  and  the  click  of  many 
hoofs.  Rivers  glanced  apprehensively  at  the  Duke, 
and  then  at  Grey,  and  then  back  again  at  the  Duke, 
who  was  sipping  his  wine  apparently  quite  oblivious 
of  the  approaching  noise.  In  another  moment,  at 
the  outer  door  an  imperious  voice  demanded : 

**  Is  His  Grace  of  Gloucester  within  ?  " 

At  the  tones,  Rivers  started  and  dropped  his 
knife  upon  his  plate;  his  brows  contracted  slightly 
and  a  troubled  look  dawned  in  his  eyes. 

"  Ha,  De  Lacy,  well  met !  "  came  the  voice  again. 

"  By  St.  Denis !  my  lord,  I  am  glad  to  see  you," 
was  the  response.  "  It  is  a  pleasure  I  had  not 
counted  on  this  side  of  London.  Have  you  seen  the 
Duke?" 

"  I  arrived  but  this  moment.  Will  you  take  me 
to  him.?" 

"  Assuredly — he  is  now  at  supper,  but  I  shall  ven- 
ture to  admit  you." 

They  crossed  the  outer  room,  the  door  opened, 
and  De  Lacy  stepped  within  and  announced : 

"  The  Duke  of  Buckingham  !  " 

The  man  who  entered  was  full  six  feet  in  height 
and  slender,  and  bore  himself  with  the  easy  assur- 
ance of  one  accustomed  to  respect  and  deference. 
His  face  was  handsome  in  general  outline  and  effect, 
though  the  features  were  not  accordant  with  one 
another.  Beneath  a  mass  of  ruddy  hair,  a  broad, 
high   forehead  arched  a  pair  of  shifty  grey  eyes 


104  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

and  a  large,  full  nose  overhung  a  mouth  of  indiffer- 
ent strength,  while  the  whole  was  gripped  by  a  chin 
that  was  a  fit  complement  to  the  forehead.  He 
paused  for  an  instant,  as  his  glance  fell  on  Glouces- 
ter's companions,  and  his  surprise  was  very  evident — 
then  he  doffed  bonnet  and  came  forward. 

"  By  St.  Paul ! "  exclaimed  Richard,  rising  and 
extending  his  hand,  "  it  is  so  long  since  I  have  seen 
the  Duke  of  Buckingham  that  it  was  well  to  an- 
nounce him  formally." 

"  It  is  only  those  with  the  fame  of  a  Gloucester 
that  require  no  introduction,"  replied  Stafford,  with 
a  graceful  bow  that  included  also  Rivers  and  Grey. 

"  Come,  come,  Sir  Duke !  "  said  Richard,  "  this  is 
too  much  of  a  family  gathering  for  the  turning  of 
compliments." 

"  In  truth,  yes,"  returned  Buckingham — "  a  half- 
brother  and  three  uncles  of  our  King — but,  pardieu ! 
where  is  His  Majesty?  Methought  you  traveled 
with  him,   fair  brother-in-law." 

"  Edward  lies  to-night  at  Stoney  Stratford,"  re- 
plied Rivers. 

"  Aye,  it  is  unexpected  all  around,  this  meeting, 
it  seems,"  said  Richard  suavely.  "  And,  by  St.  Paul ! 
a  happy  chance  indeed.  Come,  Buckingham,  the 
gross  chare  grow  cold;  take  place  and  fall  to. 
Catesby,  tell  the  cook  to  sauce  another 
capon  and  unbrace  a  mallard." 

In  all  history  there  scarce  had  been  a  supper  party 
such  as  this.    There,  about  that  table  in  this  humble 


THE  INN  OF  NORTHAMPTON        105 

hostelry,  were  gathered  four  noblemen — three  of 
them  the  most  powerful  in  all  England — who  were 
arrayed  against  each  other  as  leaders  of  the  two 
factions  that  were  playing  for  the  highest  stakes  a 
mortal  knows.  Every  one  knew  the  relative  positions 
of  the  others  (for  Rivers  naturally  judged  Glou- 
cester to  be  against  the  Woodvilles ) ;  that,  within  a 
few  short  days,  the  final  move  must  be  made;  and 
that  all  their  gayety  and  jocosity  were  hollow,  and 
assumed  but  as  a  mask.  At  that  very  moment,  while 
they  smiled  and  played  at  friendship.  Rivers  and 
Grey  were  consumed  with  anxiety  at  this  sudden 
appearance  of  Buckingham,  their  arch-enemy,  and 
were  hating  him  and  Richard  with  fierce  intensity ; 
Buckingham  was  regarding  them  with  all  the  fervid 
resentment  the  old  Nobility  had  for  this  upstart 
family ;  while  Gloucester,  with  neither  hatred  nor 
resentment  in  his  mind,  but  with  the  cool,  calm 
judgment  that  ever  rose  above  the  pettiness  of 
personal  feeling,  was  viewing  them  only  as  pawns 
that  hampered  his  game  of  statecraft  and  therefore 
must  be  swept  from  the  board. 

It  was  near  midnight  when  they  quit  the  table  and 
retired  to  their  rooms  above.  Richard  dismissed 
Catesby,  who  as  Chamberlain  was  waiting  for  him, 
and  drawing  the  rude  chair  to  the  many-paned  win- 
dow he  opened  it,  and  sat  looking  out  upon  the 
street  below.  Comparative  quiet  had  settled  over 
the  town,  broken  now  and  then  by  a  noise  from  the 
camp,  or  the  shouts  of  some  roistering  soldiers  far 


106  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

down  the  road.  Around  the  inn  there  was  only  the 
tramp  of  the  guards,  the  rattle  of  their  arms,  or  the 
low  word  of  greeting  as  they  met.  Presently  there 
came  an  easy  knock  upon  the  door  and  Buckingham 
entered  and  shot  the  bolt  behind  him.  Gloucester  had 
turned  his  head  at  the  first  sound,  but  said  nothing 
until  the  Duke  was  beside  him.  Then,  pointing  to- 
ward the  heavens,  he  remarked,  as  he  closed  the 
casement : 

*'  It  will  be  a  fair  day  to-morrow." 

"  All  days  are  fair  for  some  purposes,"  said  Buck- 
ingham quickly ;  *'  and  the  sooner  the  day  the  fairer 
to  my  mind." 

Richard  smiled.  "  Patience,  my  dear  Stafford, 
patience.  It  will  come  soon  enough  even  for  your 
eagerness,  I  fancy.  Did  I  not  say  to-morrow  would 
be  fair?" 

"  You  are  pleased  to  speak  in  riddles." 

"  Not  so ;  you  used  the  riddle  and  I  but  spoke  in 
kind.  However,  trifles  aside.  Your  arrival  was  well 
timed;  you  should  have  seen  Rivers'  face  when  he 
heard  your  voice ;  it  was  worth  a  Knight's  good  fee. 
For  the  first  time  he  began  to  see  how  he  had  blun- 
dered. By  St.  Paul !  a  child  could  have  done  better. 
The  game  is  easy  now." 

Buckingham  looked  puzzled. 

"What  do  you  mean,  my  lord?"  he  said.  "I 
have  been  following  blindly  your  direction  in  this 
affair,  and  I  must  admit  that  the  point  is  very  hazy 
to  me." 


THE  INN  OF  NORTHAMPTON       107 

"  Do  you  not  see,"  said  the  Duke,  "  that  by  re- 
maining here  and  sending  young  Edward  ahead  at 
my  approach,  Rivers  and  Grey  have  overreached 
themselves  completely?  In  their  desire  to  keep  me 
from  the  King — for  plainly  they  did  not  know  of 
your  coming — they  have  separated  themselves  from 
Edward  and  his  two  thousand  men ;  and  in  so  doing 
have  lost  both  Edward  and  themselves." 

"  Yet  the  two  thousand  men  are  still  with  Edward, 
are  they  not  ?  "  Buckingham  insisted.  "  I  have  three 
hundred,  but  methinks  even  though  you  ride  with 
twice  that  number  we  would  be  utterly  outmatched." 

"  Nay,  you  do  not  perceive  my  plan,"  said  Rich- 
ard. "  It  will  not  be  necessary  to  fight.  I  could  win 
now  with  but  a  hundred  men.    We  will " 

At  that  moment  a  clear  voice  came  up  from  the 
street.  Richard  listened  an  instant  and  then  opened 
the  casement. 

"  De  Lacy,"  he  called,  "  come  hither I 

want  you,"  he  said  when  the  young  Knight  entered, 
wrapped  in  his  long  cloak,  "  with  all  possible  secrecy, 
to  secure  all  the  doors  of  the  inn  and  bring  the  keys 
to  me.  At  any  that  cannot  be  locked,  post  two  of 
my  personal  retainers  with  orders  to  permit  no  one 
to  depart  the  place.  That  done,  take  fifty  men  and 
station  them  along  the  road  to  where  it  joins  the 
Roman  highway  this  side  the  Ouse.  Bid  them  allow 
no  one  to  travel  southward  ere  sunrise  without  ex- 
press authority  from  me.     Act  Instantly." 


IX 

The  Aeuest 

De  Lacy  found  the  landlord  dozing  beside  the 
chimney  in  the  kitchen.  The  fire  was  still  smouldering 
on  the  hearth,  and  the  big  black  kettle  gave  forth  an 
odor  of  garlic  and  vegetables  that  made  the  air  most 
foul.  On  the  floor,  in  promiscuous  confusion,  lay 
various  members  of  the  establishment,  of  both  sexes, 
who  never  even  stirred  at  the  Knight's  entrance, 
either  because  they  were  too  deep  in  sleep  to  hear  him 
or  too  tired  to  care  if  they  were  trodden  upon. 
Arousing  the  host,  Aymer  demanded  all  the  keys  of 
the  inn,  in  the  name  of  the  Duke  of  Gloucester,  and 
before  the  half-dazed  fellow  could  respond  he  seized 
the  big  bunch  that  hung  at  his  girdle  and  snapped 
it  free.  Bidding  him  mind  his  own  business  and  go 
to  sleep,  he  proceeded  to  execute  his  orders;  and 
then  hastened  to  the  house  where,  by  accident,  that 
evening  he  had  noticed  Raynor  Royk  was  quartered. 

Twenty  minutes  later  he  rode  out  of  Northampton 
and  crossed  the  Nene  with  the  fifty  retainers  behind 
him.  To  Dauvrey  and  Raynor  Royk,  he  repeated 
the  Duke's  order  just  as  it  had  been  given,  deeming 
it  well,  if  he  were  incapacitated,  that  those  next  in 
command  should  know  what  to  do.  Leaving  five  men 
on  the  south  bank  of  the  Nene,  he  dropped  bands 
108 


THE  ARREST  109 

of  four  at  regular  intervals  along  the  road,  with 
instructions  to  patrol  constantly  the  intervening  dis- 
tances on  both  sides  of  them.  The  remaining  five 
men  he  posted  at  the  Roman  highway,  with  orders  not 
to  separate  under  any  circumstances. 

Leaving  Raynor  in  charge  of  this  detail,  De 
Lacy  and  his  squire  jogged  slowly  back  toward 
Northampton.  Hanging  in  an  almost  cloudless  sky, 
the  full  moon  was  lighting  up  with  its  brilliant  un- 
certainty the  country  around.  The  intense  calm  of 
the  early  morning  was  upon  the  earth,  and  there 
was  no  sound  but  the  tramp  of  their  horses,  varied, 
at  intervals,  by  the  approach  of  one  of  the  patrols 
or  the  passing  of  a  sentry  post. 

About  midway  to  the  Nene  the  squire's  horse 
picked  a  stone.  It  stuck  persistently,  and  he  swore 
at  it  under  his  breath  as  he  tried  to  free  it.  Pres- 
ently it  yielded,  and  he  had  raised  his  arm  to  hurl 
it  far  away  when  a  sharp  word  from  De  Lacy 
arrested  him.  They  had  chanced  to  halt  in  the 
shadow  of  a  bit  of  woodland  which,  at  that  point, 
fringed  the  east  side  of  the  road.  To  the  left,  for 
some  distance,  the  ground  was  comparatively  clear 
of  timber,  and  crossing  this  open  space,  about  a  hun- 
dred yards  away,  were  two  horsemen.  They  were 
riding  at  a  rapid  trot,  but  over  the  soft  turf  they 
made  no  sound. 

"  There,"  said  De  Lacy,  waving  his  hand. 

The  squire  swung  noiselessly  Into  saddle. 

"  Shall  we  stop  them  ?  "  he  asked. 


110  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Of  course — be  ready  if  they  show  fight." 

Suddenly  Dauvrey's  horse  threw  up  his  head  and 
whinnied.  At  the  first  quaver,  De  Lacy  touched 
Selim  and  rode  out  into  the  moonhght  toward  the 
strangers,  who  had  stopped  sharply. 

"  Good  evening,  fair  sirs,"  said  he ;  "  you  ride 
late." 

"  Not  so ;  we  are  simply  up  betimes,"  replied  one, 
"  and  therefore,  with  your  permission,  since  we  are 
in  some  haste,  we  will  wish  you  a  very  good  morning 
and  proceed." 

"  Nay,  be  not  so  precipitate.  Whither  away,  I 
pray,  at  such  strange  hours  and  over  such  strange 
courses  ?  " 

"  What  business  is  it  of  yours,"  exclaimed  he  who 
had  first  spoken,  "  whether  we  come  from  the  clouds  ? 
Out  of  the  way,  or  take  the  consequences,"  and  he 
flashed  forth  his  sword. 

"  You  are  hardly  courteous,"  replied  Aymer, 
**  and  therefore  scarce  angels  in  disguise,  even 
though  you  prate  of  the  clouds.  So  if  you  wish  to 
measure  blades  I  shall  not  balk  you.  Nathless,"  as 
he  slowly  freed  his  own  wieapon,  "  it  is  a  quarrel  not 
of  my  making." 

"  Will  you  let  us  pass  then  ?  "  said  the  stranger. 

"  I  never  said  I  would  not ;  I  but  asked  your  des- 
tination." 

"  And  I  refused  to  answer — stand  aside." 

"  Nay,  nay !  do  not  get  excited,"  said  De  Lacy 
calmly.     "  Consider  a  moment ;  ytni  ask   all  and 


THE  ARREST  111 

grant  nothing.  I  wish  to  know  whither  you  ride — 
you  wish  to  ride.     It  is  only  a  fair  exchange." 

*'  It  is  very  evident  that  you  are  seeking  a  quar- 
rel," the  other  exclaimed ;  "  and  by  the  Holy  Saints ! 
you  have  found  it.  I  shall  ride  on,  and  if  it  be  over 
your  carcass,  on  your  head  be  it." 

"  I  have  seen  a  few  dead  bodies  in  my  time,  fair 
sir,"  replied  Sir  Aymer  with  a  laugh,  "  but  never  one 
that  stood  upon  its  head.  It  is  a  pity  then  I  may 
not  see  my  own." 

The  stranger  made  no  reply,  but  settling  him- 
self well  in  saddle  charged  in.  De  Lacy,  without 
changing  position  further  than  to  drop  the  reins 
over  the  saddle  bow,  so  as  to  leave  both  hands  free  to 
wield  his  sword,  awaited  the  rush.  Saving  a  thin 
corselet  of  steel  beneath  his  doublet,  he  wore  no 
armor ;  and  as  his  antagonist  was,  outwardly  at  least, 
entirely  unprotected,  a  single  stroke  of  the  heavy 
weapons  would  likely  decide  the  matter. 

For  a  space,  De  Lacy  contented  himself  with  par- 
rying the  blows  aimed  at  him  and  with  blocking  the 
other's  advance.  Repeatedly  he  could  have  ended 
the  fight,  but  always  he  forebore.  The  man  was  no 
possible  match  for  him,  and  with  soldierly  generosity 
he  hesitated  either  to  kill  or  to  wound  grievously 
one  who  showed  so  much  pluck  and  grit  even  when 
the  struggle  was  plainly  lost.  He  was  waiting  the 
opportunity  to  disarm  him. 

**  Will  you  not  yield  ?  "  he  asked  at  last,  as  again 
he  brushed  adde  the  other's  weapon. 


11«  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

The  only  answer  was  a  swinging  blow  that  just 
missed  his  forehead. 

De  Lacy  frowned,  and  his  patience  began  to  ebb. 
For  the  first  time  he  assumed  the  offensive.  Press- 
ing Selim  close,  he  feinted  quickly  twice,  and  catch- 
ing the  other  off  guard  he  brought  his  sword  down 
on  the  stranger's  with  a  crash.  There  was  a  flash 
of  sparks,  a  sharp  ring  of  metal  on  stones,  and  of 
the  weapon  naught  was  left  but  a  silver  hilt. 

"  Yield,*'  said  Aymer  sternly,  presenting  his  point 
at  the  man's  throat.     "  It  is  your  last  chance." 

"  I  yield,"  said  the  other,  hurling  the  bladeless 
hilt  to  the  ground.  "  And  may  the  Devil  get  the 
rogue  that  forged  this  weapon !  And  now,  fair 
Knight, — for  I  see  that  your  spurs  are  golden, — I 
will  avow  my  destination  to  be  London,  and  I  pre- 
sume I  am  at  liberty  to  proceed." 

"  Nay,  I  shall  have  to  ask  you  to  bear  me  com- 
pany back  to  Northampton,"  said  De  Lacy  kindly. 

"  How  so !    Am  I  a  prisoner?  " 

"  Only  until  daybreak." 

"  It  is  most  unusual — but,  so  be  it."  Then  he 
turned  to  his  companion.  "  Farewell,  James,"  he 
said,  "  my  misfortune  need  not  affect  you.  I  will 
join  you  in  London." 

De  Lacy  shook  his  head.  "  He  came  with  you, 
and  with  you  he  bides.    Giles,  see  to  him." 

"  Truly,  this  is  a  strange  proceeding  on  the  King's 
highway,  and  with  His  Majesty  but  a  few  miles  dis- 
tant," ihe  other  exclaimed  with  increasing  heat. 


THE  ARREST  113 

"  Pardieu !  how  know  you  of  the  King's  where- 
abouts? "  said  De  Lacy,  scanning  the  man's  face. 
"  I  believe  you  are  from  Northampton." 

A  shrug  of  the  shoulders  was  the  only  answer. 

At  that  moment  the  patrol  rode  up  and  was  about 
to  proceed  when  Sir  Aymer  stopped  him. 

"  You  know  this  man  ?  "  he  demanded. 

The  soldier  came  closer;  and  after  a  brief  glance 
answered :  "  He  is  a  squire  in  the  household  of  Lord 
Rivers,  so  please  you ;  I  have  seen  him  often." 

De  Lacy  smiled.  "  So  that  explains  your  knowl- 
edge of  the  King.  I  regret,  however,  that  Rivers' 
message  will  not  reach  Edward  to-night.  Nathless, 
I  would  like  to  know  how  you  passed  the  guards  thus 
far." 

"  This  fellow's  statement  that  I  am  of  Lord  Riv- 
ers' following  does  not  estabhsh  that  I  am  from  him 
now,"  replied  the  squire.  "  You,  yourself,  saw  that 
I  struck  the  highway  only  at  this  spot,  and  that  I 
did  not  come  from  the  direction  of  Northampton." 

"  Yet  that  proves  nothing  to  my  mind,  except 
that  you  thought  to  avoid  the  patrol  by  a  detour  and 
have  failed.  Come,  sir,  we  will  face  Northward,  if 
you  please;  enough  time  has  been  wasted  In  profit- 
less   debate," 

The  squire  wheeled  his  horse  to  the  right,  as 
though  to  comply;  then  suddenly  driving  home  the 
spurs  he  cleared  the  road  at  a  bound  and  dashed 
back  the  way  he  had  come. 

"  After  him ! "   shouted  De  Lacy ;   and  leaving 


114  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Dauvrey  to  guard  the  other  prisoner,  he  and  the 
patrol  sped  in  pursuit.  The  squire  had  acted  so 
quickly  that  he  had  obtained  a  lead  of  at  least  a  hun- 
dred feet  and  Aymer  labored  strenuously  to  over- 
take him.  Being  totally  ignorant  of  the  country,  he 
could  rely  only  on  sight  to  indicate  the  course; 
whereas  the  other  evidently  was  famihar  with  the 
by-paths,  and  once  the  first  was  reached  would  likely, 
in  the  uncertain  hght,  be  able  to  elude  him.  He 
swore  at  himself  heartily  for  his  carelessness,  and 
with  anger  growing  hotter  at  every  jump  he  drew 
his  sword,  resolved  that  there  would  be  no  second 
escape  if,  when  he  got  within  reach,  his  order  to 
halt  were  not  instantly  obeyed.  Yet,  strive  as  he 
might,  Selim  could  not,  in  that  short  distance,  come 
up  with  the  big  bay  ahead ;  and  as  the  squire  entered 
the  heavier  timber,  he  looked  back  and  laughed 
mockingly.  But  this  act  of  foolish  defiance  worked 
his  destruction;  for  at  that  very  instant,  his  horse 
stumbled  and  plunged  forward  on  his  knees,  and  he, 
having  loosed  his  thigh  grip  in  turning,  was  hurled 
headlong  to  the  ground  and  rolled  over  and  over  by 
the  impetus. 

"  We  will  see  that  you  play  us  no  more  such 
tricks,"  said  Aymer.  "  Bind  him  with  your  sword 
belt." 

The  patrol  bent  over  and  tried  to  put  the  strap 
around  the  man's  arms.  The  body  was  limp  in  his 
grasp. 

"  He  is  unconscious,  my  lord,"  he  said. 


THE  ARREST  115 

"  It  may  be  a  sham,"  said  De  Lacy,  dismounting. 
"  Pasque  Dieu !  your  belt  will  not  be 
needed.  The  man  is  dead:  his  neck  is  broken. 
.  .  .  .  It  is  a  graceless  thing  to  do,  yet  .... 
Here,  my  man,  help  me  carry  the  body  out  into  the 
moonlight  yonder  ....  now,  search  it  for  a 
letter — for  a  letter,  mark  you,  nothing  else." 

Kneeling  beside  it,  the  soldier  did  as  he  was  bid, 
and  presently  drew  forth  a  bit  of  parchment.  It 
was  without  superscription  and  De  Lacy  broke  the 
wax. 

"  As  I  thought,"  he  muttered,  as  his  eyes  fell 
upon  the  signature;  then,  letting  the  moonlight 
fall  full  upon  the  page,  he  read: 

"  Vaughan: 

"  Buckingham  joined  Gloucester  this  evening.  Grey  and 
I  are  prisoners  in  the  inn.  Send  Edward  on  to  London 
instantly  with  Croft.  If  necessary,  use  force  to  keep  the 
King,  and  then  mark  well  the  Dukes.  I  may  not  write  more; 
time  is  precious.    I  trust  in  your  discretion. 

"  Rivers." 

"  It  will  go  ill  with  the  Earl  when  Richard  sees 
these  words,"  thought  De  Lacy,  as  he  mounted  and 
returned  to  the  road,  where  Dauvrey  was  patiently 
standing  guard  over  the  other  prisoner. 

"  Come,  Giles,"  he  said,  "  secure  his  bridle  rein. 
We  will  drop  him  at  the  next  guard  post,  and  in  the 
morning  he  can  return  and  bury  the  squire." 

There  was  the  faintest  blush  of  dawn  in  the  east- 
em  sky  as  De  Lacy  and  Dauvrey  crossed  the  Nene 


116  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

and  re-entered  Northampton.  At  the  inn  all  was 
quiet,  and  Aymer  ascended  quickly  to  Gloucester's 
room.  The  Duke  was  lying  on  the  bed,  fully  dressed, 
and  the  gown  that  Catesby  had  placed  ready  to  his 
hand  had  not  been  touched.  He  greeted  the  young 
Knight  with  a  smile  and  without  rising. 

"  Well,  Sir  Aymer.?  "  he  said. 

De  Lacy  gave  him  the  letter. 

"  I  took  it,"  he  explained,  "  from  one  of  Rivers' 
squires,  midway  between  the  Roman  road  and  the 
Nene.  He  had  followed  by-paths  and  so  avoided  the 
guards." 

Walking  to  the  single  candle  that  burnt  dimly  on 
the  table  Richard  read  the  letter  carefully. 

"  You  have  done  good  service  for  England  this 
night,"  he  said.  "  And  now  do  you  retire  and  rest ; 
I  may  need  you  before  many  hours.  But  first  return 
to  the  landlord  his  keys ;  they  have  served  their  end." 

An  hour  later  Northampton  had  thrown  off  its 
calm.  A  thousand  soldiers,  retainers  of  three  great 
nobles,  had  roused  themselves;  and  to  the  ordinary 
bustle  of  camp  life  were  added  the  noisy  greetings  of 
those  who,  once  comrades,  had  not  seen  each  other 
for  years ;  or  who,  strangers  until  a  few  hours  aback, 
were  now  boon  companions.  Around  the  inn,  how- 
ever, there  was  strict  order;  but  whether  disturbed 
by  the  general  confusion,  or  because  their  brains 
were  too  busy  for  slumber,  the  lords  were  early 
astir.  Yet,  whatever  worry  there  may  have  been 
during  the  night,  it  was  as  well  veiled  now,  as  they 


THE  ARREST  117 

gathered  again  around  the  table,  as  when  they 
laughed  and  gossiped  at  the  same  board  the  prior 
evening.  And  indeed,  doubtless,  their  minds  were 
actually  easier;  for  Rivers  and  Grey  were  believing 
that  their  communication  had  reached  Croft;  Buck- 
ingham was  persuaded  that  at  last  his  day  of  triumph 
was  come ;  and  Gloucester,  with  Rivers'  fatal  letter  in 
his  pocket,  knew  that  he  had  won  the  first  throw  in 
the  great  game  he  was  playing. 

"  When  does  Your  Grace  desire  to  resume  the 
journey.'*  "  Rivers  asked  as  the  breakfast  was  finished. 

"  Best  start  at  once. — How  say  you,  Bucking- 
ham ?  "  said  Richard. 

"  The  Duke  of  Gloucester  commands  here,"  re- 
phed  Stafford  with  a  courtier's  suavity. 

"  Then  let  us  proceed ;  it  will  be  more  kind  to  the 

King  in  that  it  will  not  detain  him  unduly 

I  presume  he  will  await  us  at  Stoney  Stratford.''  " 
glancing  carelessly  at  Rivers. 

"  I  so  requested  by  messenger  yesterday,"  the  Earl 
answered. 

"  You  are  a  model  of  thoughtfulness,  my  lord," 
said  Gloucester  with  one  of  his  strange  smiles,  as 
he  buckled  on  his  sword  and  led  the  way  toward  the 
horses. 

Two  hours  after  leaving  Northampton  the  caval- 
cade, now  travehng  the  Roman  road,  approached 
the  crossing  of  the  Ouse  at  the  boundary  of  Buck- 
inghamshire. Stoney  Stratford  lay  just  south  of 
the  river.    On  the  northern  bank  of  the  stream  Glou- 


118  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

cester  drew  rein  and  the  column  halted.  A  moment 
before  he  had  been  laughing,  apparently  in  the 
best  of  humor.  Now  his  face  was  stem  as  stone 
and  his  voice  pitiless  as  Fate  as,  turning  to  the  Earl 
of  Rivers  who  was  riding  beside  him,  he  said : 

"  My  lord,  before  we  proceed  farther,  there  are  a 
few  matters  between  us  that  require  adjustment." 

Rivers'  face  paled  suddenly,  and  involuntarily  he 
bore  so  heavily  on  the  bit  that  his  horse  reared  high. 
Taken  unawares,  his  usually  facile  mind  was  con- 
fused by  the  abruptness  of  Richard's  words  and  the 
calm  determination  plainly  foreshadowed  in  them. 
Trained  by  years  of  experience  in  a  Court  where  in- 
trigue imbrued  the  very  atmosphere,  ordinarily  he 
was  equal  to  any  emergency.  But  all  his  schemes  of 
the  past  were  as  gossamer  to  the  conspiracy  in 
which  he  was  now  entangled ;  and  since  the  previous 
evening — when  the  unexpected  arrival  of  Gloucester 
had  hung  their  whole  plot  upon  his  shoulders  until 
he  got  the  King  to  London — the  strain  on  his  nerves 
had  been  terrific.  He  had  thought  to  play  the  game 
out  in  the  Capital,  not  on  the  lonely  bank  of  a  river 
in  distant  Northampton ;  and  it  is  small  wonder  that 
under  all  the  circumstances  Anthony  Woodville  fell 
before  Richard  Plantagenet,  whose  equal  England 
had  known  but  twice  before,  in  the  first  Plantagenet 
and  the  first  Edward,  and  knew  but  twice  thereafter, 
in  Oliver  Cromwell  and  William  of  Orange. 

"  This  is  scarce  a  place  for  discussion,  my  Lord 
Duke,"  said  Rivers,  striving  to  calm  his  restive  horse. 


THE  ARREST  119 

**  If,  as  your  words  imply,  there  be  aught  of  con- 
troversy between  us,  it  were  best  to  settle  it  in  Lon- 
don. Yonder  is  Stoney  Stratford,  and  it  will  not 
profit  the  King  for  us  to  quarrel  here." 

"  Methinks,  Sir  Earl,  that  I  am  quite  as  capable 
as  you  of  judging  what  shall  work  to  Edward's 
profit,"  replied  Gloucester  curtly ;  "  and  I  choose  to 
settle  it  here,  and  not  to  annoy  him  with  matters  too 
weighty  for  his  young  brain." 

**  It  is  your  own  profit  and  not  your  King's  that 
you  seek,"  said  Rivers.  "  I  decline  to  hold  further 
discussion  or  to  quarrel  with  you  until  I  have  done 
my  duty  to  my  Sovereign  and  have  seen  him  safe  in 
London.  Then  I  shall  be  most  willing  to  meet  you, 
with  sword,  or  axe,  or  lance — and  may  God  defend 
the  right.     Come,  Grey,  we  will  ride  on  alone." 

Gloucester  had  listened  with  darkening  brow,  and 
the  gnawing  of  under  lip  was  ominous ;  but  at  the 
last  words  he  threw  his  horse  in  front  of  the  Earl's. 

**  Ere  you  depart,  my  Lord  of  Scales  and  Rivers," 
he  said,  and  smiled  peculiarly,  "  you  must  hear 
me  out.  Of  your  rash  speech  I  shall  make  no  ac- 
count ;  and  you  know  full  well  that  a  Prince  of  Eng- 
land breaks  no  lance  nor  crosses  sword  save  on  the 
field  of  battle,  whereon  are  all  men  equal.  But  I 
fain  would  ask  if  you  expect  to  meet  Edward  the 
Fifth  in  yonder  town  ?  " 

"  I  have  already  told  you  that  I  dispatched  a  mes- 
senger to  detain  him  until  we  arrived,"  retorted  the 
Earl  hotly. 


laO  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Aye !  And  later  another  messenger  to  hurry 
him  on,"  said  Richard  laconically. 

"  What  proof  have  you  for  that  ?  "  demanded 
Rivers,  reining  back. 

"  This ! "  replied  the  Duke  sternly,  producing  the 
captured  letter. 

"  I  see  nothing  but  a  bit  of  parchment ;  yet  well  I 
know  that  it  can  be  made  to  tell  strange  tales  for 
selfish  ends." 

"  It  is  parchment,  unfortunately  for  you,  my 
lord,  and  it  tells  a  selfish  tale,"  said  Gloucester 
calmly.  "  It  is  the  letter  you  dispatched  last  night 
to  Edward's  Chamberlain,  but  which  was  taken  by 
one  of  my  good  Knights,  though  your  Squire  died 
in  its  defence.  You  know  its  contents — and,  may- 
hap, you  also  begin  to  know  the  depth  of  your  folly." 

**  It  is  evident  that  I  am  in  the  toils  of  a  plot  laid 
by  you  and  yonder  brother-in-law  of  mine,"  said 
the  Earl  with  haughty  contempt.  *'  You  have  en- 
trapped me ;  and  the  deepest  folly  that  I  know  would 
be  to  hope  for  justice  in  such  clutches.  I  am  to  be 
sacrificed  because,  forsooth,  I  am  dangerous  to  the 
conspiracy  that  you  have  afoot ;  and  well  can  I  fore- 
see what  the  conspiracy  designs Yet  did  I 

flatter  you  overmuch,  my  Lord  of  Buckingham ;  it  is 
no  creature  of  your  brain,  this  scheme  whose  end  is 
treason.  You  are  too  vain  and  empty-headed  to  be 
of  any  service  except  to  aid  its  execution — and  then, 
later,  to  be  the  leading  figure  at  your  own.  Your 
sires  were  oyerrauch    Lancastrian    for  you   to  be 


THE  ARREST  121 

trusted  by  a  son  of  York — after  your  usefulness  is 
ended." 

Gloucester's  stern  mouth  relaxed  in  a  faint  smile, 
but  Buckingham  flushed  angrily. 

"  By  the  Holy  Saints  1 "  he  broke  out,  "were  it 
not  that  the  very  touch  would  soil  a  Stafford's 
gauntlet,  I  would  lay  my  hand  across  your  Wood- 
ville  mouth." 

"  It  is  passing  strange  then,  if  we  be  so  degraded," 
said  Rivers  quickly,  "  that  you  should  have  chosen  a 
Woodville  for  a  wife." 

Pushing  his  horse  past  Grey,  Buckingham  leaned 
forward  and  would  have  struck  the  Earl  had  not  the 
calm  tones  of  Gloucester  stayed  him  in  the  very  act. 

"  Hold !  Stafford,  you  forget  yourself — and  you. 
Sir  Earl,  return  your  dagger." 

*'  He  shall  answer  me  for  those  words,"  Bucking- 
ham exclaimed. 

"  I  am  at  your  service  this  very  instant,"  returned 
Rivers,  doffing  his  bonnet  and  bowing  to  his  charger's 
neck. 

"  This  very  instant  be  it,"  cried  the  Duke,  spring- 
ing down  and  drawing  sword. 

Before  the  last  word  was  spoken.  Rivers  was  off 
his  horse  and  confronting  Stafford  with  bared 
weapon.  But  ere  the  blades  could  clash  together, 
Gloucester  swung  between  them  and  knocked  up 
the  Earl's  sword  with  his  own,  which  he  had  un- 
sheathed with  amazing  swiftness. 

**  Cease  this  foolishness,"  he  said  sternly.    "  Buck- 


122  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

ingham,  you  forget  yourself.  Ratcliffe,  arrest  the 
Earl  of  Rivers  and  Sir  Richard  Grey." 

The  Master  of  Horse  rode  forward. 

"  Your  sword,  my  lord,"  he  said  to  Rivers. 

For  a  moment  the  Earl  hesitated;  then  hurled  it 
far  out  into  the  river. 

"  In  the  name  of  the  King,  whose  uncle  and  gov- 
ernor I  am,  I  protest,  lord  Duke,  against  this  un- 
warranted and  outrageous  conduct,"  he  cried. 

"  And  I  arrest  you  in  the  name  of  that  very 
King,  whose  uncle  and  guardian  I  am,"  replied 
Richard.     "  Ratcliffe,  execute  your  orders." 

"  I  must  request  you  to  accompany  me  forth- 
with," said  Ratchffe  courteously,  to  the  two  noble- 
men. 

Resistance  was  utterly  hopeless,  and  without  a 
further  word  the  Earl  remounted;  and  Grey  taking 
place  beside  him  they  passed  slowly  toward  the  rear. 
Presently,  as  they  neared  the  end  of  the  long  column, 
a  hundred  men  detached  themselves  from  the  line 
and  fell  in  behind  them.  Rivers  observed  it  with  a 
smile,  half  sad,  half  cynical. 

"  They  honor  us,  at  least,  in  the  size  of  our 
guard,"  he  remarked  to  Grey;  then  turned  to  Rat- 
cliffe.    "May  I  inquire  our  prison,  Sir  Richard.''  " 

"  Certainly,  my  lord ;  we  ride  to  Pontef ract." 

"  Whence  two  of  us  shall  ne'er  return,"  said  the 
Earl,  with  calm  conviction.  "  May  the  Good  Christ 
watch  over  Edward  now." 


The  Lady  Maey  Changes  Babges 

Five  weeks  had  expired  since  the  coup  d'etat  at 
Stoney  Stratford  and  Richard  was  now  Lord  Pro- 
tector of  the  Realm.  Before  his  dominating  person- 
ality all  overt  opposition  had  crumbled,  and  with 
Rivers  and  Grey  in  prison,  the  Queen  Dowager  in 
sanctuary  at  Westminster,  and  Dorset  and  Edward 
Woodville  fled  beyond  sea  the  political  horizon 
seemed  clear  and  bright. 

Meanwhile,  the  Duchess  of  Gloucester  and  her 
Household  had  come  to  London  and  were  settled 
at  Crosby  Hall  in  Bishopgate  Street.  When  they 
neared  the  Capital,  the  Duke  and  a  few  of  his  chosen 
Knights  had  ridden  out  into  the  country  to  meet 
them;  and  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  had  gone  gayly  and 
expectantly,  thinking  much  of  a  certain  fair  face 
with  ruddy  tresses  above  it.  Nor  had  he  been  dis- 
appointed; and  it  was  her  pleasant,  half- familiar 
greeting  that  lingered  in  his  mind  long  after  the 
words  and  sweet  smile  of  the  Duchess  were  forgotten. 
He  had  tarried  beside  the  Countess'  bridle  until  the 
Hall  was  reached;  and  as  she  seemed  quite  willing 
for  him  to  be  there,  he  had  been  blind  to  the  eiForts 
of  others  to  displace  him.  With  Selim  she  had  been 
openly  demonstrative,  welcoming  him  with  instant 

123 


124  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

affection  and  leaning  over  many  times  to  stroke  him 
softly  on  the  neck  or  muzzle.  Once,  as  she  did  it, 
she  shot  a  roguish  smile  at  his  master,  and  he  had 
nodded  and  answered  that  again  he  was  wishing  he 
were  a  horse — whereupon  she  deliberately  repeated 
the  caress,  glancing  at  him  the  while,  sidelong  and 
banteringly.  But  when  he  would  have  pursued  the 
subject  further,  she  crushed  him  with  a  look,  and 
then  for  the  remainder  of  the  ride  held  him  close  to 
commonplaces. 

And  if  De  Lacy  thought  to  have  again  the  delight- 
ful associations  and  informal  meetings  that  had  ob- 
tained at  Pontefract,  he  quickly  realized  his  error. 
There,  the  Household  was  relatively  small,  and  life 
had  run  along  in  easy  fashion.  He  had  seen  the 
Countess  daily — ^had  walked  or  ridden  with  her  as  his 
duties  permitted,  and  every  evening  had  attended  in 
the  presence  chamber  and  gossiped  with  her  for  a 
while.  Those  few  days  of  unhampered  intimacy 
had  let  them  know  each  other  better  than  months  of 
London  would  have  done.  Lord  Darby  had  been  his 
only  active  rival,  and  even  he  was  not  there  con- 
stantly. But  in  the  Capital  it  was  otherwise.  Scores 
of  Knights,  young  and  old,  now  sought  her  favor 
and  were  ever  in  attendance.  Indeed  half  the  eligible 
men  at  Court  were  her  suitors,  and  the  feeling  among 
some  of  the  more  impetuous  had  reached  a  point 
where  it  needed  only  the  flimsiest  of  excuses  for  such 
an  exchange  of  cartels  as  would  keep  the  lists  at 
Smithfield  busy  for  a  week.    But  through  it  all,  the 


LADY  MARY  125 

Countess  moved  with  calm  courtesy  and  serene  un- 
concern. She  had  her  favorites,  naturally, — and 
she  made  no  pretense  otherwise, — but  that  reduced 
not  a  whit  the  fervor  of  the  others.  Like  the  dogs 
in  the  dining  hall,  they  took  the  scraps  flung  to  them, 
and  eagerly  awaited  more. 

And  the  Lady  Mary  Percy  gibed  sweetly  at  them 
all,  and  at  the  Countess,  too;  but  she  gibed  most  at 
Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy. 

"  You  are  a  rare  wooer,  surely,"  said  she  one  day, 
as  the  Lord  of  Ware  bore  the  Countess  oiF  to  his 
barge  for  a  row  on  the  Thames.  "  You  had  your 
chance  at  Pontefract  and  ....  yonder  she 
goes!  One  would  never  fancy  you  were  bred  in 
France." 

*'  Nor  that  you  were  really  a  sweet-tempered  and 
charming  demoiselle,"  Sir  Aymer  answered  good- 
naturedly. 

She  laughed  merrily.  "  One  might  think  I  were 
jealous  of  the  Countess.''  " 

"Yes    ...    .    or  of  the  Earl  of  Ware." 

"  Or  of  all  the  others  who  hang  about  her,"  she 
added. 

De  Lacy  looked  down  at  her  with  an  amused 
smile. 

"  Methinks  Ware  is  enough,"  he  said,  with  calm 
assertion. 

She  tossed  her  head  in  quick  defiance.  "  Your 
penetration,  Sir  Aymer,  is  extraordinary — when  it 
concerns  others,"  she  retorted. 


126  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  And  when  it  concerns  myself?  " 

She  answered  with  a  shrug. 

He  went  over  and  leaned  on  the  casement  beside 
her. 

"  Just  how  stupid  am  I.'' "  he  asked. 

She  turned  and  measured  him  with  slow  eyes.  "  I 
am  not  sure  it  is  stupidity,"  she  remarked ;  "  some 
might  call  it  modesty." 

He  laughed.  "  And  which  does  the  Lady  Mary 
Percy  call  it.?  " 

"  I  can  tell  you  better  a  year  hence." 

"  Why  so  long  a  wait  ?  " 

*'  You  will  then  have  won  or  lost  the  Countess." 

He  shook  his  head  dubiously. 

"  How  will  that  decide  the  matter.?  "  he  asked. 

She  smiled.     "  Because  only  stupidity  can  lose." 

He  looked  at  her  curiously  and  in  silence,  a 
quicker  beat  at  his  pulse  and  she  read  his  thoughts. 

"  Oh,  I  am  betraying  no  confidences,"  she  said. 
"  Your  lady  gives  none — save  possibly  to  the  Duch- 
ess. But  I  have  been  of  the  Household  with  Bea- 
trix for  two  years  and " 

''  And    ....    what  ?  "  he  inflected. 

"  You  can  guess  the  rest — if  you  are  not  stupid," 
she  said,  turning  away. 

But  he  stayed  her.  "  My  barge  is  at  the  landing. 
Shall  we  follow  ....  the  others  ?  "  he  sug- 
gested. 

She  hesitated — then,  catching  up  a  cloak  and 
scarf  that  lay  on  a  couch,  she  nodded  acquiescence. 


LADY  MARY  127 

**  Up  stream  or  down  ?  "  he  asked,  as  he  handed 
her  in  and  took  place  beside  her. 

"  Up,"  she  said. 

*'  Give  way,"  he  ordered,  and  the  eight  oars  that 
had  been  raised  high  in  salute  dropped  as  one,  and 
they  shot  out  into  the  stream. 

The  Lady  Mary  settled  herself  among  the  cush- 
ions, one  arm  thrown  carelessly  around  the  awning 
post. 

"  What  nonsense  it  is,"  she  remarked  presently. 

De  Lacy  nodded.     "  Doubtless — but  what.'*  " 

*'  This  foolish  dissimulation  we  all  play  at ; 
.  .  .  .  this  assumed  indifference  which  deceives 
no  one.  Here  are  we,  barging  together  on  the 
Thames,  when  you  would  rather  have  the  Countess 
.    .    .    .    and  I  would  rather  have  Ware." 

*'  But  would  they  rather  have  us  ?  " 

"  I  am  quite  sure  she  would,  and  "  .  .  .  .  hold- 
ing up  a  hand  and  slowly  flashing  the  rings  .... 
"  I  think  he  would,  too." 

"  If  you  happen  to  know  which  way  they  went," 
De  Lacy  laughed,  "  we  might  follow  and  suggest  an 
exchange." 

She  sat  up  smartly.  "  Come,"  said  she,  "  come ; 
if  you  will  venture  it  with  the  Countess,  I  will  with 
Ware." 

He  smiled.  "  I  thought  you  gave  me  a  year 
wherein  to  prove  my  stupidity." 

"  But  would  it  be  stupidity — might  it  not  be  rare 
brilliancy — a  master  stroke  .f*  "  She  flashed  the  rings 


128  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

again.  "  Lord  Darby  would  risk  It  were  he  in  like 
case." 

"  Nay,  Darby  is  no  fool." 

*'  True  enough — yet,  neither  is  he  afraid  to  brave 
the  hazard;  he  is  a  hard  fighter,  in  love  as  well  as 
war." 

"  I  find  no  fault  with  him  for  that,"  De  Lacy  an- 
swered, "  so  long  as  he  fight  fair." 

She  gave  him  a  quick  glance  of  interrogation. 

**  Would  you  trust  him  to  fight  fair  ?  "  she  asked. 

**  I  usually  trust  every  man  of  noble  birth  until 
experience  prove  him  undeserving." 

*'  And  you  have  had  no  experience  with  Darby  ?  " 

«  No— not  yet." 

A  sly  smile  crossed  her  lips  and  she  was  about  to 
comment  further,  when  Lord  Ware's  barge  suddenly 
swung  out  from  behind  a  large  vessel  and  met  them. 

*'  We  are  going  to  the  Tower,"  the  Countess 
called.     *'  Will  you  not  meet  us  there  ?  " 

The  rowers  backed  water  instantly,  and  the  two 
boats  drifted  slowly  past  each  other. 

"  We  will  join  you  very  shortly,"  Lady  Mary 
answered — then  smiled  at  De  Lacy. 

The  Earl  of  Ware  looked  curiously  at  the  Coun- 
tess. 

"  Now  why  this  sudden  notion  for  the  Tower  ?  " 
he  asked,  when  the  barges  had  drawn  apart.  "  But 
a  moment  since  and  you  declined  to  stop  there  and 
preferred  to  stay  afloat." 

"  A  moment  since  is  far  aback  with  a  woman," 


LADY  MARY  129 

the  Countess  laughed — "  nor  had  I  then  seen  the 
Lady  Mary." 

"  Nor  the  Knight  with  her,"  said  Ware  senten- 
tiously. 

She  made  no  answer,  save  to  look  him  in  the  face 
with  calm  composure. 

"Who  is  this  De  Lacy,"  the  Earl  asked  with 
a  supercilious  shrug ;    "  one  of  the  new  nobility  ?  " 

A  faint  smile  came  into  her  eyes. 

"  New  ?  May  be,  my  lord — ^the  term  is  but  rela- 
tive— yet  /  would  scarce  call  him  so:  his  ancestor 
came  with  Norman  William  and  built  Pontefract." 

"  So  .  .  .  .  one  of  old  Ilbert's  stock. 
Well,  even  a  Ware  may  not  cavil  at  that  blood 
.  .  .  .  though  it  is  passing  strange  I  never  heard 
of  him  until  within  the  week." 

"  Strange  for  him  or  for  you  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  For  me,  of  course — seeing  that  he  has  been  so 
much  at  Court."  The  tone  was  bantering,  yet  the 
sarcasm  was  deliberately  veiled. 

She  turned  upon  him  rather  sharply. 

"  My  lord,"  said  she,  "  if  you  would  criticise  Sir 
Aymer  de  Lacy,  do  not,  I  pray,  make  me  your  con- 
fidant.    He  is  my  good  friend." 

"  And  you  like  him    .    .    .    well.?  "  he  questioned. 

"  Aye,  that  I  do,"  she  retorted  instantly.  "  It  is  a 
pity  his  sort  are  growing  scarce." 

"His  sort!"  the  Earl  inflected.  "In  family, 
mean  you,  or  in  looks?" 

"  In  manners,  mainly." 


180  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

The  Earl  slirugged  his  shoulders.  "  French  train- 
ing," he  drawled.  "  There  never  was  one  came  from 
that  Court  but  caught  you  all  with  his  bow  and  talk." 

"  Perchance,  my  lord,  it  has  never  occurred  to  you 
that,  save  in  him  she  wed,  a  woman  cares  only  for  a 
man's  manners  and  his  speech." 

"  And  what  does  she  care  for  in  him  she  weds .''  " 

"  Ask  her  whom  you  wed." 

"  And  what,  think  you,  will  the  bride  of  this  De 
Lacy  find  in  him  beneath  his  bow  and  speech.''  " 

She  turned  and  looked  him  in  the  eyes. 

"  An  English  gentleman — a  trusty  Knight,"  she 
answered. 

He  laughed — and  now  his  air  was  light  and  merry. 

"  Believe  me,  my  lady,  I  have  no  quarrel  with 
your  De  Lacy,"  he  said ;  "  I,  too,  like  him  well. 
But  I  envy  him  his  champion.  Marry,  how  you 
rapped  me  with  voice  and  eye.  I  wonder,  would  you 
do  the  same  for  me?" 

"  Yes,  for  you    ....    and  the  Lady  Mary." 

"  And  why  the  Lady  Mary  ?  "  he  asked,  after  a 
pause. 

"If  you  do  not  know,  then  there  is  no  *  why,'  " 
said  she,  facing  about  and  looking  up  stream. 
"  However,  she  is  coming  and,  perchance,  can  answer 
for  herself.  Shall  I  ask  her  ....  or  will 
you?" 

The  touching  of  the  boat  just  inside  the  St. 
Thomas  Gate  saved  him  an  answer.  Giving  the 
Countess  his  hand  he  aided  her  to  alight,  and  almost 


LADY  MARY  131 

immediately  De  Lacy's  barge  ran  in;  and,  he  and 
Lady  Mary  disembarking,  the  four  sauntered  across 
the  vast  courtyard  toward  the  royal  lodge. 

As  they  turned  into  one  of  the  shaded  walks  the 
Earl  of  Ware,  who  chanced  to  be  a  pace  in  advance, 
suddenly  halted  and  drew  aside,  his  bonnet  doffed, 
his  attitude  deeply  respectful. 

"  The  King !  "  exclaimed  De  Lacy,  and  they  all 
fell  back. 

A  slender,  fair-haired  boy  was  coming  slowly  down 
the  path,  one  hand  on  the  neck  of  a  huge  mastiff, 
whose  great  head  was  almost  on  a  level  with  his 
shoulder.  His  dress  was  rich,  but  very  simple — 
black  velvet  and  silk  from  head  to  foot,  save  the 
jeweled  dagger  at  his  hip  and  the  blue  ribbon  of  the 
Garter  about  his  knee.  His  bearing  was  wondrous 
easy,  and  there  was  a  calm  dignity  about  him  most 
unusual  in  one  so  young.  It  may  have  been  the 
innate  consciousness  of  his  exalted  rank  that  raised 
the  thirteen-year-old  boy  to  the  man,  and  made  his 
majesty  sit  so  naturally  upon  him;  or  it  may  have 
been  that  the  resemblance  he  bore  to  his  imperious 
father  carried  with  it  also  that  father's  haughty 
spirit;  but,  whatever  it  was,  there  could  be  no  mis- 
taking that  Edward  the  Fifth  was  a  true  heir  of  the 
Plantagenets,  the  proudest  and  bravest  family  that 
ever  sat  a  throne. 

He  was  unattended,  save  by  the  dog,  and  as  he 
passed  he  smiled  a  courteous  greeting. 

"  God  save  Yoiir  Majesty !  "  said  the  two  Knights, 


132  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

bowing  with  bent  knee,  while  the  Countess  and  Lady 
Mary  curtsied  low. 

He  turned  slightly  and  smiled  at  them  again,  then 
proceeded  on  his  way,  as  unruffled  as  a  man  of  thrice 
his  age. 

"  A  brave  youth,"  said  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  gazing 
after  him. 

"  Aye,"  the  Earl  answered,  "  brave  in  person  and 
in  promise — yet  prone  to  melancholy,  it  is  said;  a 
queer  trait  in  a  child." 

"  Inherited  ?  "  De  Lacy  asked. 

Ware  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  Doubtless — al- 
most anything  could  come  through  Jacquetta  of 
Luxembourg." 

Meanwhile  the  Countess  and  Lady  Mary  had  gone 
on  together,  leaving  their  escorts  to  follow,  and  pres- 
ently they  turned  toward  the  wharf. 

"  What  say  you,"  the  Earl  asked  as  they  neared 
the  gate,  **  what  say  you  to — an  exchange  of  com- 
panions ?  " 

"  I   am   willing,"   De   Lacy   answered   instantly, 

thinking  of  Lady  Mary's  words,  *'  and  so  is " 

then  he  stopped ;  that  was  not  for  him  to  tell  Ware, 
and  doubtless  she  had  been  only  jesting.  "  Suppose 
you  suggest  it  to  the  Lady  Mary,"  he  ended. 

The  Earl  gave  him  an  amused  smile.  "  Suppose 
you  suggest  it  to  the  Countess." 

Then  both  laughed. 

Ware  rubbed  his  chin  thoughtfully.  "  We  might 
suggest  it  to  them  both  together,"  he  sadd. 


LADY  MARY  133 

**  How,  for  instance?  " 

"  Why  ....  just  intimate  casually  that 
,  .  .  .  that  ....  that  ....  we  would 
.     .     .     .     you  know." 

"  No,"  said  Aymer,  "  I  do  not." 

Ware  pondered  a  space.  "  We  might  put  them  in 
the  wrong  boats — by  accident,  of  course." 

"  And  have  them  get  out  the  instant  we  get  in." 

"  Then  it  passes  me,"  said  the  Earl.  "  I  have  sup- 
plied the  idea ;  it  is  for  you  to  execute  it." 

De  Lacy  shook  his  head.  "  It  is  too  deep  for  me ; 
had  I  a  week  I  might  contrive  a  plan." 

"  I  presume  we  will  go  back  as  we  came,"  the 
other  commented.  "  Marry,  what  a  brave  pair  we 
are ! " 

As  they  reached  the  landing,  their  barges,  that 
lay  a  little  way  down  stream,  swung  around  and 
came  quickly  up  to  the  gate.  The  Earl's  entered 
first,  and  as  he  was  about  to  proffer  his  hand  to  the 
Countess  to  aid  her  to  embark,  the  Lady  Mary 
stepped  quickly  into  the  boat,  and  giving  him  a 
smile  of  bewitching  invitation  sank  languidly  among 
the  cushions.  For  an  instant  he  was  taken  aback; 
but,  with  a  sharp  glance  at  De  Lacy,  he  sprang 
aboard,  and  the  oars  caught  the  water. 

The  Countess  watched  them  as  they  sped  through 
the  gate  and  away,  then  turned  to  De  Lacy  with  a 
roguish  look  and  eyes  half  veiled. 

"  It  seems.  Sir  Aymer,  it  is  for  you  to  take  me 
back  to  the  Hall,"  she  said. 


XI 

On  Chapel  Geeen 

On  the  following  morning  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy 
again  sought  the  Tower ;  but  this  time  he  went  alone. 
The  hour  was  early,  yet  the  place  was  full  of  life; 
there  was  to  be  a  state  council  at  nine,  and  the  nobil- 
ity were  assembling  to  greet  the  Lord  Protector 
when  he  should  arrive.  For  although  the  young 
King  occupied  the  royal  apartments  and  was  sup- 
posed to  hold  the  Court  therein,  yet,  in  fact,  the 
real  Court  was  at  Crosby  Hall,  where  the  Duke  re- 
sided and  whither  all  those  that  sought  favor  or 
position  were,  for  the  nonce,  obliged  to  bend  their 
steps. 

Indeed,  at  this  time,  Richard  was,  in  all  but  name, 
the  King  of  England;  and  on  this  very  day,  ere 
the  hour  of  noon  had  passed,  was  the  name  also  to 
turn  toward  him,  and  through  the  first  blood  shed 
by  his  new  ambition  was  he  to  progress  to  the  foot 
of  the  throne,  the  steps  of  which  were  to  prove  so 
easy  to  his  feet. 

Just  in  front  of  the  Wakefield  Tower  De  Lacy 
came  upon  Sir  Robert  Brackenbury,  now  Constable 
of  the  Fortress,  and  paused  for  a  word  with  him. 
Then  sauntering  slowly  toward  the  Chapel,  he  took 
possession  of  a  bench  from  which  he  could  observe 
134 


ON  CHAPEL  GREEN  135 

those  who  crossed  the  courtyard  between  the  St. 
Thomas  Gate  and  the  White  Tower.  A  moment 
later,  Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton  came  swinging  along 
the  walk  and  De  Lacy  hailed  him. 

"  Tarry  with  me  till  the  Council  has  gathered," 
he  said.  "  Here  come  their  reverences  of  York  and 
Ely." 

Scarcely  had  the  churchmen  entered  the  White 
Tower,  when  along  the  same  path  came  two  others, 
bound  also  for  the  council  chamber. 

The  one  on  the  right,  the  Garter  about  his  knee, 
with  the  keen,  grey  eyes,  sharp,  clear,  Norman 
features,  and  well-knit,  active  frame,  was  William, 
Lord  Hastings;  gallant  knight,  brave  warrior,  wise 
counsellor  and  chosen  friend  of  the  mighty  Edward. 
His  long  gown  and  doublet  were  of  brilliant  green 
velvet,  with  silk  trunks  and  hose  to  match;  his 
bushy  brown  hair  was  perfumed  and  dressed  with  ex- 
quisite care ;  from  his  bonnet  of  black  velvet  trailed  a 
long  white  ostrich  plume  pinned  by  three  huge 
rubies;  at  the  richly  chased  gold  belt  dangled  a 
dagger,  the  scabbard  and  hilt  glistening  with  jewels, 
and  his  fingers  flashed  with  many  rings.  It  was  the 
typical  costume  of  a  courtier  of  the  Plantagenets — 
fops  in  dress  and  devils  in  battle. 

His  companion  was  utterly  dissimilar.  His  gar- 
ments were  of  sober  black,  without  ornament  or  deco- 
ration, and  no  ring  shone  on  his  fingers.  His  sandy 
hair  was  cut  rather  shorter  than  was  wont,  and 
there  was  no  mark  of  helmet  wear  along  the  brow  or 


136  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

temples.  His  frame  was  neither  active  nor  powerful, 
and  his  walk  was  sedate,  almost  to  preciseness.  His 
countenance  was  peculiar,  for  in  it  there  was  both 
cunning  and  frankness:  cunning  in  the  eyes,  frank- 
ness in  the  mouth  and  chin ;  a  face,  withal,  that  would 
bear  constant  watching,  and  that  contained  scarce  a 
trace  of  virility — only  a  keen  selfishness  and  a  crafty 
faithlessness.  And  of  a  verity,  if  ever  a  human 
visage  revealed  truly  the  soul  within,  this  one  did; 
for  a  more  scheming  sycophant,  vacillating  knave 
and  despicable  traitor  than  Thomas,  Lord  Stanley, 
England  had  not  seen  since  the  villain  John  died  at 
Newark. 

"  A  powerful  pair,"  said  De  Wilton,  "  yet  a 
strange  companionship — one  rather  of  accident  than 
design,  I  fancy.  There  is  little  in  either  to  attract 
the  other,  nor  is  it  any  secret  that  the  Lord  Cham- 
berlain does  not  love  the  fickle  Stanley." 

"  No  more  does  Stanley  love  him,  nor  any  living 
creature,  for  the  matter  of  that,"  said  Sir  Aymer. 
"  It  passes  me  why  the  Lord  Protector  trusts  him." 

"Pardieu!"  exclaimed  De  Wilton,  "the  Duke 
may  use  him ;  he  will  never  trust  him.  He  knows  the 
truckler  of  old — the  first  to  greet  Warwick  when  he 
came  to  lead  Henry  from  the  Tower;  the  loudest 
for  Edward  when  Barnet's  day  was  done." 

"  Well,  mark  me,"  said  De  Lacy,  with  lowered 
voice,  "  yonder  false  lord  will  be  a  troublesome  coun- 
sellor, even  if  he  be  not  a  faithless  baron.  I  would 
have  none  of  him." 


ON  CHAPEL  GREEN  137 

"  Bon  jour,  mes  amis! "  Hastings  called  out 
in  heart  J  greeting.     "  Has  the  Protector  arrived?  " 

"No,  my  lord,"  returned  De  Wilton,  as  he  and_ 
De  Lacy  arose ;  "  he  was  engaged,  and  may  be  a 
trifle  late  for  the  council." 

"  Who  has  preceded  us  ?  "  said  Stanley ;  and  in 
contrast  to  the  melodious  voice  of  the  Lord  Chamber- 
lain his  tones  were  like  melting  ice. 

"  Only  the  Lord  Chancellor  and  the  Bishop  of 
Ely." 

"  Then,  Hastings,  we  shall  have  time  to  discuss 
further  the  matter  I  touched  on  a  moment  since," 
said  Stanley,  making  as  though  to  go  on. 

"  As  you  will,"  Hastings  answered  indifferently, 
and  without  moving,  "  but  believe  me,  my  lord,  it 
will  boot  little  what  may  be  the  record.  Eleanor 
and  Katharine  NeviUe  were  sisters,  true  enough,  but 
Eleanor  is  dead  and  you  have  wed  a  second  time; 
while  Katharine  still  chatelaines  my  castles  of  Ashby 
and  Calais.  The  matter  has  been  left  to  her  sweet 
judgment,  and  her  wish  is  my  decision.  It  is  quite 
needless  to  debate  the  subject  further." 

Aymer  caught  the  quick  look  of  resentment 
that  flashed  through  Stanley's  eyes,  but  Hastings 
missed  it,  for  he  had  turned  and  was  gazing  toward 
the  royal  lodge. 

And  Stanley,  with  that  cool  Indifference  to  aught 
but  expediency  which  characterized  his  whole  life,  let 
the   curt   speech   pass,   seemingly   unheeded. 

In  a  moment  the  Lord  Chamberlain  said  cour- 


138  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

teously,  as  though  regretful  for  his  recent  abrupt- 
ness: 

**  Well,  my  lord,  shall  we  proceed  ?  It  will  be 
well  for  the  Council  to  be  assembled  when  Richard 
comes." 

"  In  truth,  yes,"  said  Stanley  suavely ;  and  bowing 
stiffly  to  the  two  young  Knights,  the  traitor  of  Bos- 
worth  linked  arms  with  Hastings  and  went  on  toward 
the  White  Tower. 

*'  Did  you  mark  that  ?  "  De  Wilton  queried ;  "  and 
evidently  it  was  a  matter  of  some  moment  since 
Hastings  has  submitted  it  to  his  wife." 

*'  There  are  more  than  royal  prerogatives  at  issue 
these  days,"  replied  De  Lacy,  "  and  private  griev- 
ance may  work  deep  into  the  greater  game." 

"  It  will  be  the  only  way  by  which  the  Stanley 
can  be  led  to  bear  a  part,"  said  De  Wilton  senten- 
tiously.  *'  He  savors  more  of  the  shops  in  the  Cheap 
yonder  than  of  Castle  or  Court." 

"  And  hence  the  pity  that  he  has  such  power  of 
rank  and  wealth  behind  him  with  his  new  Countess, 
the  Beaufort  heiress." 

**  Aye — and  what  is  worse,  in  her  and  her  son  lie 
the  last  hope  of  Lancaster." 

"  You  mean  the  Earl  of  Richmond.''  "  said  Aymer. 
"  I  saw  him  a  year  or  more  ago  at  the  Court  of 
Blois.  His  appearance  gave  little  promise  of  kingly 
blood  or  spirit." 

"  Nathless,  my  good  friend,  our  own  Duke  of 
Gloucester  would  give  a  few  hides  of  land  to  have 


ON  CHAPEL  GREEN  139 

that  same  Earl  safe  within  these  walls.  York  sits 
not  firm  on  England's  throne  while  the  Tudor  lives 
in  freedom." 

"  It  is  a  shrewd  test  of  Stanley's  faith — ^his  step- 
fathership  to  this  Richmond,"  De  Lacy  observed. 

"  Of  a  truth,  yes ;  and  one  that  will  find  him  want- 
ing if  the  trial  ever  come.  Had  not  His  late  Majesty 
died  so  suddenly,  this  Margaret  would  have  had  a 
brood  of  treasons  hatched  ready  for  the  occasion; 
and  I  doubt  not  that  she  and  her  adherents  are, 
even  now,  deep  in  plottings  with  the  Welsh  and 
France's  King." 

"  With  Stanley's  knowledge  ?  " 

De  Wilton's  only  answer  was  a  shrug  and  a  jerk 
of  his  head  toward  the  river. 

"  Here  are  two  more  of  the  Council,"  he  remarked ; 
and  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  came  rapidly  up  the 
path  in  company  with  Lord  Lovel. 

"  Are  we  late  or  early  ?  "  Buckingham  called. 

"  Late  for  Stanley  and  Hastings  and  their  rev- 
erences of  York  and  Ely,"  said  Aymer,  "  but  early 
for  the  Lord  Protector." 

"  Did  the  Chamberlain  and  Stanley  come  to- 
gether ?  "  Lovel  asked. 

"  They  did,  my  lord." 

"  And  their  humor  ?  " 

*'  Not  the  most  sympathetic.  They  were  not  en- 
tirely agreed  about  some  matter  the  Lord  Hastings 
had  submitted  to  his  Countess,  and  that  she  had 
decided,  seemingly,  against  Stanley's  wishes." 


140  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

**  It  is  the  old  matter  of  the  Neville  sisters  that 
cropped  up  even  in  Bonville's  time,"  said  Bucking- 
ham. *'  The  more  Stanley  urges  that  now,  the  bet- 
ter it  will  fit  our  purpose.  Come,  let  us  stimulate  the 
dispute  if  occasion  offer,"  and  with  a  sarcastic  laugh 
he  turned  away. 

"  Methinks,  my  Lord  of  Buckingham,"  observed 
De  Wilton,  when  he  and  De  Lacy  were  again  alone, 
"  that  you  will  scarce  find  another  Rivers  in  either 
Hastings  or  Stanley.  It  requires  a  master  hand  to 
play  Stoney  Stratford  twice  in  six  short  weeks." 

"  No  need  for  another  seizure,  I  fancy,"  said  De 
Lacy.  "  Richard's  power  is  secure  now  and  the 
King  will  be  crowned  on  St.  John's  Day." 

De  Wilton  looked  at  him  thoughtfully.  "  It  is 
strange.  Sir  Aymer,  that  you,  who  have  lived  under 
The  Fell  Louis,  should  not  look  deeper  into  the  minds 
of  men.  St.  John's  Day  is  but  nine  days  hence,  yet 
will  I  wager  you  ten  good  rose  nobles  it  brings  no 
coronation  with  it.  I  know  " — as  De  Lacy  regarded 
him  incredulously — "  that  the  council  has  so  fixed 
it — ^that  the  ceremonies  have  been  arranged — that 
the  provisions  for  the  banquet  have  been  ordered — 
and  that  the  nobility  are  gathering  from  all  Eng- 
land, yet  none  the  less  will  I  make  the  wager." 

De  Lacy  was  silent  for  a  bit.     Then  he  spoke : 

"  It  would  be  foolish  to  pretend  I  do  not  catch 
your  meaning,  but  I  had  never  faced  the  matter  in 
that  light.  In  France  there  may  be  strife  of  faction, 
plottings  and  intrigues  and  blood-spilling  for  posi- 


ON  CHAPEL  GREEN  141 

tion  in  the  State ;  yet  is  the  Crown  ever  secure.  The 
struggle  is  but  for  place  near  the  Throne,  never 
for  the  Throne  itself Naturally,  I  appre- 
ciate our  need  for  a  strong  King  at  this  crisis.  Ed- 
ward is  but  a  child,  and  York's  grip  on  the  Crown 
may  grow  perilously  lax,  or  even  slip  entirely.  With 
Gloucester  it  would  be  different.  His  hand  is  not 
likely  to  loosen  if  once  it  grasp  the  sceptre.  I  shall 
not  take  your  wager.  It  would  be  against  ray  own 
heart.  If  Richard's  aim  is  England's  Throne,  my 
poor  arm  is  at  his  service." 

*'  Now  are  you  one  after  my  own  soul,"  exclaimed 
De  Wilton.  "  Up  with  the  White  Boar  banner ! 
Hurrah  for  King  Richard  the  Third ! " 

"  But  that  I  knew  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  and  Sir 
Ralph  de  Wilton  to  be  loyal  subjects  of  Ed- 
ward the  Fifth,  so  long  as  he  be  King  of  England,  I 
should  be  obliged  to  commit  you  both  to  yonder 
tower,"  said  the  stern,  calm  voice  of  the  Duke  of 
Gloucester  behind  them. 

Both  Knights  sprang  to  their  feet  and  uncovered. 
De  Wilton  was  confused  and  could  make  no  reply. 
De  Lacy,  however,  was  not  so  easily  disconcerted 
and,  despite  the  censure  in  the  words,  he  felt  that 
they  were  not  grave  offenders. 

"  If  an  honest  desire  to  see  the  Duke  of  Gloucester 
King  of  England  be  a  crime,"  he  answered,  bowing 
low,  **  then  we  both  are  guilty.  Yet  plead  we  in 
clemency,  that  we  shall  follow  only  where  the  White 
Boar  leads." 


14a  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

The  severe  lines  of  Richard's  mouth  relaxed  a 
trifle. 

"  Let  me  caution  you,"  he  said,  and  the  chill  was 
gone  from  his  voice,  "  talk  not  treason  so  publicly ; 
even  stones  have  ears  at  times.  I  go  now  to  the 
Council ;  await  me  here  or  in  the  inner  chapel." 

"  What  think  you  of  it?  "  asked  De  Wilton. 

"  Enough  to  make  me  glad  I  refused  your  wager ; 
there  is  something  brewing." 

"  Whatever  it  be  I  hope  it  will  come  quickly,"  said 
Sir  Ralph  with  half  a  sigh.  "  This  is  not  like  the 
old  days  when  Edward  held  his  state  here.  Many  is 
the  time  I  have  seen  this  great  place  bright  with 
women's  faces  and  ringing  with  their  laughter;  the 
ramparts  crowded,  and  scarce  a  shady  seat  but  held 
a  fair  dame  and  gallant  lover.  Where  are  now  the 
sweet  voices  and  the  swishing  gowns?  Gone — may- 
be, forever;  Elizabeth  is  in  sanctuary  a  mile  up 
yonder  stream,  and  Edward  is  too  young  to  mate  at 
present." 

"  Perchance  the  Duchess  of  Gloucester  may  come 
here  and  revive  it  all." 

De  Wilton  shook  his  head.  "  Richard  seems  to 
have  small  love  for  this  old  pile  of  stone;  and  be- 
sides he  ceases  to  be  Lord  Protector  when  the  King 
is  crowned." 

"  In  truth !  "  exclaimed  De  Lacy.  "  What  then 
will  he  be?" 

"  Duke  of  Gloucester  and  uncle  to  His  Majesty.'* 

The  two  men  looked  at  each  other  and  smUed. 


ON  CHAPEL  GREEN  143 

Neither  had  observed  an  elderly  Knight  in  dusty 
riding  dress  and  long  boots  hurrying  down  the 
courtyard,  until  he  had  passed  them ;  then  De  Lacy 
sprang  up  and  hastened  after. 

"  Sir  John  de  Bury,"  he  called ;  "  stop  and  speak 
to  a  friend." 

The  other  whirled  around. 

"  De  Lacy !  "  he  exclaimed ;  "  by  St.  Luke,  I  am 
overjoyed  to  see  you.  I  seek  the  Duke — ^get  me  an 
audience  at  once." 

"  Come,"  said  Aymer,  and  they  hastened  to  the 
White  Tower. 

Just  as  they  reached  the  upper  landing  the  door 
of  the  great  council  chamber  opened  and  Gloucester 
came  out,  followed  by  Buckingham. 

"  Ha,  De  Bury  !  what  brings  you  in  such  haste?  " 
Richard  demanded.  "  What  is  amiss  in  the 
North?  " 

*'  It  may  be  much  and  It  may  be  little,  so  please 
you,"  said  Sir  John,  removing  his  bonnet  and  bow- 
ing slightly. 

*'  Follow  me,"  said  the  Duke,  and  descending  to 
the  second  floor  they  entered  the  small  room  next 
the  chapel,  leaving  De  Lacy  on  guard  without. 

Slowly  the  minutes  passed.  Once  Aymer  heard 
Buckingham's  voice  raised  as  though  in  sharp  argu- 
ment. Then  It  ceased  abruptly,  and  he  knew  that 
Richard  had  silenced  him.  A  little  later  Stafford 
laughed,  and  this  time  was  joined  by  De  Bury.  At 
length,  the  door  opened  and  Gloucester  called  him : 


144  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Summon  twenty  of  the  guard,"  he  said.  "  Lead 
them  hither  yourself." 

At  the  outer  door  De  Lacy  came  upon  Raynor 
Royk. 

"  Twenty  of  the  guard  instantly,"  he  ordered. 

From  across  the  courtyard  De  Wilton  had  seen 
Aymer,  and  he  was  already  sauntering  toward  him. 
De  Lacy  motioned  for  him  to  make  haste.  "  It  has 
come,"  he  said,  as  De  Wilton  joined  him. 

"  Oh,  has  it !  Well,  it  took  you  long  enough  to 
find  it,  surely.    And  may  I  ask,  what  has  come?  " 

"  The  next  move  in  the  Duke's  game." 

"  In  sooth !    When — what — ^how?  " 

*'  Now,  my  dear  Sir  Ralph.  The  how  is  yonder 
with  Raynor  Royk.  If  you  wish  to  know  the  what, 
come  with  me." 

Up  the  stairway  Royk  led  his  men,  following  close 
after  the  two  Knights.  On  the  second  landing  the 
Protector  was  waiting. 

"  Now,  attend,"  he  said  to  De  Lacy.  "  I  return 
to  the  Council.  You  will  bring  the  men  up  very 
quietly  and  post  them  without.  The  instant  I 
strike  on  the  table,  fling  open  the  door  and  arrest 
every  man.  Do  you  yourself  stand  in  the  passage 
and  stop  any  that  would  escape.  Let  none  use 
weapon  unless  necessary  ....  but  if  an  axe 
were  to  fall  by  accident  upon  either  Stanley  or  Ely, 
no  punishment  would  follow,"  and  he  smiled  signifi- 
cantly. 

"  I  think  I  understand,"  said  De  Lacy ;  and  Rich- 


ON  CHAPEL  GREEN  145 

ard,  carelessly  brushing  a  bit  of  dust  from  his  black 
doublet,  turned  away. 

Raynor  Royk  chuckled  when  he  learned  the  orders. 

"  I  will  attend  to  Stanley  myself,"  he  said.  "  My 
axe  arm  at  times  has  an  ugly  habit  of  sudden  weak- 
ness when  the  weapon  is  swung  high." 

De  Lacy  nodded.  "  Get  yourself  into  position," 
he  replied  shortly ;  for,  of  a  truth,  he  little  liked  the 
business.  Yet  there  might  be  no  delay,  and  he  fol- 
lowed after  the  soldiers  with  De  Wilton  at  his  side. 

Raynor  massed  his  men  before  the  door  and  he 
himself  was  close  against  it  with  his  hand  upon  the 
latch.  From  within  came  numerous  voices;  pres- 
ently these  were  silent  and  the  Protector  spoke  in 
angry  tones,  though  what  he  said  De  Lacy  could  not 
distinguish.  Then  a  single  voice  replied,  and  De 
Wilton  had  scarce  time  to  whisper,  "  Hastings," 
when  the  signal  came. 

With  a  crash,  Raynor  Royk  hurled  back  the  heavy 
door,  and  the  soldiers  rushed  in. 

Around  the  long  table  in  the  center  of  the  apart- 
ment were  gathered  the  members  of  the  Council,  and 
at  its  foot  stood  the  Duke  of  Gloucester,  one  hand 
upon  his  dagger,  the  other  pointing  at  the  Lord 
Chamberlain.  In  an  instant  Hastings  was  seized 
by  two  of  the  soldiers,  and  all  was  wild  confusion. 

Lord   Stanley,   divining  some   sinister  design   as 

Raynor   Royk   sprang   toward   him   with   upraised 

weapon,  sought  safety  In  a  sudden  and  inglorious 

dive  under  the  table.     Yet  quick  as  he  was,  the  old 

10 


146  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

retainer  was  quicker.  His  heavy  axe  came  down  with 
a  sweep,  and  never  more  would  the  fickle  Stanley 
have  played  the  dastard  had  not  a  carved  chair  arm 
stayed,  for  an  instant,  the  weapon's  fall.  Ere  it  had 
shorn  its  way  through  the  oak,  Stanley  was  safe 
from  death,  though  the  edge  scraped  his  head  glanc- 
ingly,  sending  the  blood  flying  and  leaving  him 
unconscious  on  the  floor. 

The  Bishop  of  Ely  escaped  the  axe  aimed  at  him 
by  a  hurried  retreat  to  the  rear  of  the  room  out  of 
the  general  melee;  for  he  was  shrewd  enough  in- 
stantly to  comprehend  that,  while  there  might  be 
fatal  danger  to  him  in  the  crowd,  there  was  but 
little  when  he  stood  aloof:  God's  Bishops  were  not 
wont  to  be  murdered  deliberately  in  public.  Yet  it 
did  not  save  him  from  arrest,  for  Raynor  glanced 
at  the  Protector,  and  reading  the  order  in  his  face 
stalked  back  and  clapping  Morton  on  the  shoulder 
said  gruffly :  "  Come,  Lord  Bishop." 

The  whole  aff'air  was  over  almost  as  quickly  as 
begun,  and  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  never  so  much 
as  changed  position  during  the  tumult,  save  to  lower 
the  hand  that  had  menaced  Hastings.  Then,  when 
all  the  counsellors  were  crowded  together  and  sur- 
rounded by  the  soldiers,  he  spoke  quietly,  addressing 
Raynor  Royk: 

"  Commit  the  Archbishop  of  York,  the  Bishop  of 
Ely,  and  Lord  Stanley  to  the  Garden  Tower.  See 
that  Stanley's  hurts  be  dressed.  Release  the  others, 
save   the  traitor  Hastings.      Him   conduct  to   the 


ON  CHAPEL  GREEN  147 

Chapel  Green,  and  let  his  head  be  stricken  from  his 
fell  carcass  without  delay,  save  for  absolution  if  he 
so  desire  it Gentlemen,  attend  me." 

Adjusting  his  cloak  the  Protector  quitted  the 
apartment  and  in  silence  descended  to  the  courtyard. 
There  he  drew  his  arm  within  Stafford's,  and  dis- 
missing the  others  proceeded  slowly  toward  the  royal 
lodge  at  the  southeast  angle  of  the  fortress. 

"  Verily  will  this  day  live  in  England's  history," 
said  De  Wilton.  "  Stoney  Stratford  was  but  a  game 
of  marteaux  beside  it." 

"  But  when  ends  it .''  "  said  De  Lacy  solemnly. 

"  Yonder,  on  the  throne  in  Westminster,"  De  Wil- 
ton replied,  almost  in  a  whisper. 

"  Nay,  I  mean  the  final  end.  Methinks  I  hear  the 
rattle  of  armor  and  the  splintering  of  spears." 

At  that  moment  the  file  of  soldiers  emerged  from 
the  White  Tower  with  Lord  Hastings  in  their  midst, 
walking  with  the  same  grace  and  ease  of  carriage 
that  always  distinguished  him,  his  face  calm  and 
serene.  As  his  eyes  fell  upon  the  two  younger 
Knights,  who  were  moving  slowly  toward  the  river 
gate,  he  said  a  word  to  Ray  nor  Royk,  and  the  col- 
umn halted.  Raising  his  voice,  that  had  rung  over 
so  many  stricken  fields,  leading  the  very  flower  of 
York's  chivalry,  he  called: 

"  De  Lacy  !  De  Wilton !  .  .  .  .  Will  you  not," 
as  they  hurried  to  him,  "  by  your  oath  of  pity  and 
humility,  accompany  me  to  the  block?  It  is  hard 
enough,  God  knows,  that  one  who  has  both  rank  and 


148  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

blood  should  die  without  trial  or  legal  judgment; 
yet  that  none  but  hirelings  should  be  with  me  at  the 
end  is  inhuman  beyond  measure.  Look  at  yonder 
sycophants,  who  but  an  hour  ago  hung  upon  my 
slightest  gesture,  now  hurrying  from  me  as  though 
I  had  the  plague." 

"  Whatever  we  can  do,  my  lord,"  said  De  Lacy, 
"  pray  command.  I  would  we  had  power  to  stay 
your  doom." 

Hastings  smiled  sadly.  "  I  shall  not  detain  you 
long.    Lead  on,  my  man." 

It  was  but  a  step  to  the  Chapel,  and  seeing 
that  neither  block  nor  headsman  was  in  waiting  he 
shrugged  his  shoulders  and  laughed   sarcastically: 

"  Not  honored  even  by  the  usual  participants,"  he 
remarked.  "  Yon  log  of  timber  and  a  common  axe 
must  serve  the  purpose.  A  strange  undoing  for  one 
who  has  ridden  boot  to  boot  with  Edward  .... 
a  Lord  Chamberlain  and  Captain  of  Calais." 

"  My  Lord  of  Hastings ! "  said  Raynor  Royk, 
with  doffed  bonnet  and  in  a  voice  so  changed  from 
its  usual  gniffness  that  De  Lacy  and  De  Wilton  both 
marked  it  with  surprise,  "  it  grieves  me  ill  that  I, 
who  have  followed  the  Sable  Maunch  so  oft  in  battle, 
should  lead  you  to  your  death.  Yet  I  may  not  shirk 
my  duty,  as  you,  great  warrior  as  you  are,  well 
know.  But  if  there  be  aught  I  can  do  to  aid  you, 
that  touches  not  mine  honor  (for,  my  lord,  we  have 
what  we  call  honor  as  well  as  those  who  wear  the  yel- 
low spurs),  speak  but  the  word." 


ON  CHAPEL  GREEN  149 

Hastings  stepped  forward  and  placed  his  hand 
upon  the  old  retainer's  shoulder.  "  My  good  fel- 
low," he  said  gravely,  "  there  are  many  with  golden 
spurs  who  are  far  less  worthy  to  wear  them  than  are 
you.  Not  always  does  honor,  nay  nor  chivalry 
either,  dwell  beneath  the  banner  or  pennon  of  the 
Knight.  Permit  me  a  word  apart  with  these  kind 
friends." 

For  answer,  Raynor  Royk  gave  a  sharp  order  and 
the  soldiers  drew  out  of  earshot. 

"  Need  I  say  to  you.  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  and  you, 
Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton,"  said  Hastings,  "  how  deeply 
I  appreciate  your  great  kindness  in  coming  with 
me  here.  Place  yourselves  in  my  position  and  you 
will  know  the  comfort  you  have  given  me.  It  would 
be  foolish  to  say  I  am  willing  to  die;  I  love  life  as 
well  as  any  man ;  yet  bear  me  witness  that  I  meet 
my  doom  as  becomes  a  Peer  of  England.  I  have 
but  two  requests  to  make  of  you,  my  friends — for 
though  you  both  are  of  Gloucester's  Household,  yet 
have  you  been  friends  to  me  this  day,  as  Knight  to 
Knight,  for  you  owe  me  no  obligation,  I  ask  that 
when  yonder  deed  be  done  you  recall  to  the  Lord  Pro- 
tector his  brother  Edward's  dying  wish  that  I  might 
lie  by  his  side  in  Windsor  Chapel.  And  lastly,  I 
pray  you  bear  to  my  sweet  Countess  the  assurance 
of  my  endless  love  and  adoration.  Give  her  this 
ring  and  (  pressing  it  to  his  lips  )  say  that  it  bears  my 
dying  kiss.  Tell  her  " — and  his  voice  broke,  and 
for  the  first  time  in  this  man's  life  tears  started  to 


160  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

his  eyes  and  trickled  down  his  ruddy  cheeks — "  tell 
her  that  my  last  thought  was  of  her  ....  teM 
her  that  I  wish  not  Heaven  save  it  bring  her  dear 
face  to  me."  He  mastered  his  emotion.  "  Farewell, 
my  friends,"  extending  his  hands,  and  they  silently 
grasped  them,  "  may  God,  in  His  Providence,  grant 
you  a  kinder  death  than  mine." 

Then  with  placid  face  and  voice  he  turned  to  Ray- 
nor  Royk,  who  stood  leaning  on  his  axe  in  evident 
distress  of  mind. 

*'  I  am  at  your  service,  my  good  man,'*  he  said. 
"  Dispatch  the  business  quickly  and  do  not,  I  pray 
you,  bungle  it  at  the  stroke." 

Removing  his  handsome  cloak,  he  opened  his  doub- 
let at  the  neck,  and  with  quiet  dignity  walked  to  the 
piece  of  heavy  timber  that  had  been  used  in  repav- 
ing  the  Chapel  only  the  previous  day,  and  which 
lay  across  the  green.  Raynor  Royk  made  a  motion, 
and  a  tall  soldier  stepped  forth.  Hastings  knelt  as 
the  man  stopped  beside  him  and  drew  back  his 
doublet,  baring  his  neck  for  the  blow. 

"  Strike  true,  fellow,"  he  said,  and  calmly  placed 
his  head  upon  the  timber's  end. 


XII 

The  King's  Woed 

Feom  this  moment  Gloucester  moved  with  no  un- 
certain nor  halting  steps  toward  the  object  of  his 
ambition.  With  the  death  of  Hastings  was  removed 
the  only  man  in  England  who  might  have  blocked 
his  purpose  through  either  power  or  ability ;  and  he 
and  Buckingham  were  left  free  to  play  out  to  its  end 
the  wonderful  game  that  won  a  kingdom  without  a 
single  disturbance  or  the  drawing  of  a  sword.  The 
moves  followed  one  another  in  bewildering  rapidity, 
yet  with  such  consummate  skill,  that  when  in  the 
great  chamber  of  Baynard's  Castle  the  final  offer  of 
the  Crown  was  made,  and  the  Lord  Protector  with 
seeming  diffidence  accepted  it  on  Stafford's  urging, 
it  appeared  but  a  natural  consequence  of  sponta- 
neous events,  brought  about  only  by  the  force  of  cir- 
cumstances and  through  no  deliberate  human  agency. 

In  some  of  these  events  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  was 
an  actor,  while  in  others  he  was  but  a  spectator  or 
bore  no  part  at  all.  From  the  grim  death-scene  in 
the  Tower  he  had  gone  back  to  Crosby  Hall  and  a 
long  talk  with  Sir  John  de  Bury,  wherein  he  learned 
what  had  brought  the  old  Knight  so  hastily  to  Lon- 
don and  the  Lord  Chamberlain  to  the  block;  and 
which,  ere  nightfall,  was  to  send  Sir  Ralph  de  Wil- 

151 


162  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

ton  galloping  back  to  Pontefract,  bearing  an  order 
constituting  the  Earl  of  Northumberland  Lord  High 
Steward,  and  directing  the  trial  of  Rivers,  Grey  and 
Vaughan  for  the  same  crime  that  had  proven  Hast- 
ings' doom:  conspiracy  against  the  Lord  Protector. 
He  had  chanced  to  ride  by  St.  Paul's  Cross  while  Dr. 
Shaw  was  in  the  midst  of  his  sermon  on  *'  Bastard 
slips  shall  not  take  deep  root."  He  had  gone  with 
Buckingham  to  the  Guild  Hall  two  days  later;  had 
listened  with  strong  approval  to  the  speech  wherein 
Stafford  boldly  advocated  the  setting  aside  of  the 
young  Edward  in  favor  of  his  uncle;  and  had  lent 
his  OMU  voice  to  the  cry :  "  King  Richard !  King 
Richard ! "  He  had  witnessed  the  tender  at  Bay- 
nard's  Castle  and  the  halting  acceptance  by  the 
Duke — had  heard  the  heralds  proclaim  the  new  King 
in  the  streets  of  London — and  had  seen  him  ascend 
the  marble  seat  at  Westminster  and  begin  the  reign 
that  promised  so  bright  a  future.  He  had  ridden 
in  the  cavalcade  that  accompanied  the  King  from 
the  Tower  on  the  Saturday  preceding  the  formal 
coronation,  and  had  formed  one  of  the  throng  that 
participated  in  the  gorgeous  ceremony  of  that  July 
Sunday,  when  all  the  power  of  England's  nobility 
passed  from  the  Palace  to  the  Abbey  to  honor  him 
who  was  to  be  the  last  of  his  Line. 

Never  for  generations  was  England  to  see  such  a 
gathering  of  her  Peers  and  Barons  and  Churchmen 
as  walked  in  that  procession.  There,  was  the  huge 
Northumberland,  fresh  from  Pontefract — where  but 


THE  KING'S  WORD  153 

a  week  aback  he  had  sent  Rivers  and  his  friends  to 
the  headsman — now  bearing  Mercy's  pointless  sword ; 
Stanley  (his  peace  made  by  empty  words)  with  the 
Mace;  Suffolk  with  the  Sceptre;  Norfolk,  Earl 
Marshal  of  the  Realm,  with  the  Crown ;  and  Richard 
himself,  in  purple  gown  and  crimson  surcoat;  the 
Bishop  of  Durham  on  his  right  and  the  Bishop  of 
Bath  on  his  left ;  and  behind  him,  bearing  his  train, 

the  Duke  of  Buckingham And  then  the 

Queen's  attendants:  Huntington  with  her  Sceptre; 
Lisle  with  the  Rod  and  Dove;  Wiltshire  with  her 
Crown.  She,  herself,  paler  than  pearls  and  fragile 
as  Venetian  glass,  yet  calm  and  self-contained,  moved 
slowly  in  the  heavy  royal  robes ;  and  after  her  walked 
Margaret,  Countess  of  Richmond  and  mother  of  him 
who  next  would  wear  the  crown,  the  usurping  Tudor. 
And  then  the  throne  was  reached — the  music 
swelled  in  solemn  chorus — the  aged  Primate  raised 
the  crown  and  placed  it  on  Richard  Plantagenet's 
head — the  "  Te  Deum  "  rolled  out  in  thunderous 
tones — and  a  new  King  reigned  in  England. 

It  was  in  the  late  afternoon  of  the  following  day 
that  De  Lacy,  strolling  along  Bishopgate  Street, 
chanced  upon  Sir  John  de  Bury  near  the  White 
Hart  Inn,  the  newest  and  most  popular  hostelry  in 
London. 

"  By  St.  Luke,"  Sir  John  exclaimed,  "  you  are 
a  welcome  sight.  Come  and  drink  a  measure  of  Bur- 
gundy, and  I  will  tell  you  a  bit  of  news." 


164  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

They  pushed  their  way  through  the  motley 
throng  in  the  main  room  and,  coming  upon  the  land- 
lord, were  conducted  with  many  bows  and  smiles  to  a 
retired  comer  and  in  a  moment  the  wine  was  set  be- 
fore them.  Sir  John  lifted  high  the  vessel  and 
watched  the  heavy  liquid  fall.  Then  taking  a  sip 
he  let  it  run  slowly  down  his  throat. 

"  Not  bad,  by  half,"  he  said,  smacking  his  lips 
with  the  air  of  a  connoisseur,  and  drained  his  cup  at 
a  draught.     "  What  think  you  of  the  Coronation  ?  '* 

"  It  was  a  noble  spectacle,  and  a  proper  act  for 
England." 

"  Aye,  it  was — ^yet  I  would  that  Hastings  and  not 
Stanley  had  borne  the  Mace." 

"  And  that  Stanley  had  been  sent  in  Hastings' 
place  to  Chapel  Green .'' "  De  Lacy  asked. 

"  By  St.  Luke,  yes ! "  said  Sir  John  instantly ; 
then  he  leaned  over  and  put  his  hand  on  Aymer's 
shoulder — ^'*  and  truly,  it  was  a  gallant  thing  you 
and  De  Wilton  did  that  mournful  morning.  Has 
Gloucester — the  King,  I  mean — said  aught  to  you 
of  it,  or  has  it  not  reached  his  ears  ?" 

De  Lacy  laughed.  "  He  knew  it  ere  he  left  the 
Tower,  but  he  found  no  fault  with  us." 

"  And  if  I  know  Richard,  he  liked  you  both  the 
better  for  it Here,  fellow,  another  meas- 
ure of  wine,  and  see  that  it  be  of  the  same  barrel. 
.  .  .  .  These  rogues  need  watching  else  will 
they  serve  poorer  stuff  the  second  time,  as  you  have 
likely  noticed." 


THE  KING'S  WORD  155 

*'  Human  nature,  and  innkeepers'  nature  in  par- 
ticular, does  not  change  between  Dover  and  Calais; 
jet  they  would  hardly  do  us  the  discourtesy  to  think 
that  our  heads  muddled  so  easily." 

"  Nay,  lad,  I  was  but  following  my  motto  that  it 
is  better  to  warn  before  the  fight  than  after." 

"  Did  you  warn  before  the  fight  in  Yorkshire  ?  " 

"  By  St.  Luke !  there  was  the  fitting  moment  for 
the  motto,  but  the  villains  would  give  me  no  breath- 
ing space  to  speak.  And  that  reminds  me:  do  you 
recall  the  smooth-tongued  Abbot  of  Kirkstall  ?  " 

"  In  truth,  I  do,"  said  Aymer.  "  The  most  in- 
quisitive monk  I  have  chanced  upon  in  many  a 
day." 

"  Well,  the  notion  grips  me  hard  that  the  Abbot 
Aldam  could  tell  some  tales  about  that  little  incident, 
and  violate  no  secret  of  confessional  either.  There 
have  been  strange  rumors  lately  touching  his  Abbey 
and  the  style  of  servitors  it  employs  at  times." 

"  Then  we  at  least  decreased  their  numbers — ^but 
one  escaped,  if  I  remember  rightly,"  Aymer  replied. 

"  Aye — one ;  but  it  is  enough.  Some  day  I  may 
chance  upon  him  and  then  ....  I  shall  know 
the  story." 

"  Can  you  recognize  the  rogue?  " 

"  Instantly.  I  marked  him  well,  for  I  had  wounded 
him  in  the  face  by  a  thrust  he  turned  but  half 
aside.  A  short,  thick-set,  red-haired  knave,  with 
a  nose  as  flat  as  a  sword  blade." 

**  I  shall  not  forget,"  said  Aymer,  "  and  mayhap 


166  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

I  may  find  the  story  for  you.  But  it  occurs  to  me 
you  spoke  of  a  bit  of  news." 

"  By  St.  Luke,  yes !  I  nigh  forgot  it ;  yet  it  would 
have  mattered  little.  It  is  only  that  I  ride  North 
two  days  hence." 

"To  Craigston  Castle?" 

"  The  same,  unless  I  meet  with  misadventure  on 
the  way." 

"  In  the  guise  of  a  flat-nosed,  red-haired  knave," 
said  Aymer  with  a  laugh. 

"  A  pleasant  misadventure,  truly  !  Though,  were 
there  any  likelihood  of  that,  you  would  best  accom- 
pany me  and  save  me  from  the  rogue  a  second 
time." 

"  Nay,  my  lord,  an  old  bird  is  not  caught  twice 
in  the  same  snare.  I  scarce  fancy  you  will  be  sur- 
prised a  second  time,  or  that  he  will  again  venture 
voluntarily  within  your  reach." 

"  Then  you  may  not  be  persuaded  to  go  with 
me?" 

De  Lacy  shook  his  head.  *'  I  fear  I  am  not 
open  to  persuasion;  I  could  not  leave  the  Court  at 
present." 

"  It  is  a  pity,"  said  Sir  John,  as  he  flung  the 
score  on  the  table  and  arose,  "  for  I  had  thought 
the  Countess  of  Clare  might  like  to  have  you  with 
us.  But  of  course,  if  the  King  cannot  spare  you, 
there  is  an  end  to  the  matter." 

De  Lacy  looked  at  the  old  Knight  quizzically  for 
an  instant  and  then  laughed  frankly. 


THE  KING'S  WORD  157 

"  It  was  not  fairly  done,  Sir  John,"  he  said ; 
"  you  caught  me  foul — you  asked  first,  and  reasoned 
only  after  I  was  helpless." 

"  Well,  there  is  no  crime  in  reconsidering.  Will 
you  come  ?  " 

"  If  the  King  wiU  grant  me  leave,  I  shall  fare  with 
you." 

"  With  me  or  with  the  Countess  ? "  Sir  John 
laughed. 

Upon  leaving  De  Bury,  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  bent 
his  steps  to  Baynard  Castle,  where  the  King  had 
come  that  evening. 

At  the  main  door  he  encountered  the  Duke  of 
Buckingham  in  company  with  Sir  William  Stanley 
and  was  passing  them  with  a  courteous  salutation 
when  Stafford  caught  his  arm. 

"  Here,  De  Lacy,"  he  exclaimed — and  Aymer  saw 
he  was  excited  and  angry,  "  you  know  all  the  facts ! 
Tell  Sir  William  who  is  most  responsible  for  the 
crowning  of  Gloucester  ....  who  sent  him 
message  to  Pontefract  ....  who  joined  him 
at  Northampton  ....  who  has  done  all  the 
open  work  here  in  London.''  " 

"  Nay,  Stafford,"  broke  in  Stanley,  "  be  not  so 
wrathful.  Doubtless  His  Majesty  will  be  most  fair 
and  liberal  in  the  matter.  Give  him  time  to  feel 
his  crown." 

"  Time !  "  retorted  the  other.  "  Time !  He  has 
had  time  and  to  spare.  Am  I  not  co-heir  to  De 
Bohun  through  Aleanore,  Hereford's  daughter,  and 


168  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

will  Richard  of  Gloucester  think  to  retake  what 
Henry  of  Monmouth  abjured?  By  the  Lord  Om- 
nipotent, let  him  dare  it ! " — ^and  with  a  fiercely 
menacing  gesture  he  stalked  into  the  courtyard,  and 
springing  to  horse  rode  noisily  away  followed  by 
his  attendants. 

"  His  Grace  appears  a  trifle  annoyed,"  said  De 
Lacy. 

Sir  William  Stanley  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  It 
would  seem  so ;  yet  it  were  unwise  to  parade  it.  How- 
ever, Buckingham  was  ever  hasty  of  temper." 

*'  Nathless,  the  question  was  embarrassing  and  I 
would  not  care  to  answer  it  before  a  Stanley,"  Ay- 
mer  reflected,  as  he  ascended  the  stairs  to  the  pres- 
ence chamber. 

Baynard  Castle,  though  large  and  roomy  for  a 
nobleman's  town  residence,  was  not  suited  to  the 
needs  of  a  monarch,  and  as  the  Court  was  about  to 
move  from  Westminster  to  Windsor,  Richard  had 
brought  only  a  few  of  his  favorite  Knights  and  per- 
sonal attendants  with  him  for  the  short  time  he 
intended  to  tarry  in  London.  When  De  Lacy  entered 
the  Hall,  Richard  was  not  in  presence,  and  lounging 
at  ease  on  the  numerous  bancals  were  some  of  the 
minor  officers  of  the  Household.  He  made  his  way 
by  them  to  join  a  group  that  was  gathered  about  the 
Duke  of  Norfolk,  when  immediately  there  was  a 
touch  upon  his  arm,  and  a  page  summoned  him  to  the 
King. 

Richard  was  standing  at  an  open  window  that 


THE  KING'S  WORD  159 

overlooked  the  courtyard.  He  turned  as  De  Lacy 
entered  and  demanded  abruptly : 

"  What  said  Buckingham  and  Stanley  yonder?  " 

Aymer  was  too  used,  by  this  time,  to  Richard's 
ways  to  be  surprised,  and  he  repeated  the  conver- 
sation as  accurately  as  his  memory  held  it  and  with- 
out comment. 

The  King  listened  with  half -closed  eyes,  an  In- 
scrutable smile  upon  his  lips. 

"  It  may  happen,  De  Lacy,"  he  said,  "  that  there 
will  come  a  time  when  you  must  choose  between 
Henry  Stafford  and  Richard  Plantagenet." 

"  Not  so,  Sire,"  Aymer  replied.  "  As  against 
Your  Majesty  there  can  never  be  a  choice  for 
me." 

Richard  looked  him  straight  In  the  eyes.  "  I 
believe  It,"  he  said.  "  I  would  there  were  more  De 
Lacys." 

Aymer  bowed  low.  "  Your  Majesty  Is  very  gra- 
cious ;  and  it  encourages  me  to  prefer  a  request." 

"  Say  on,  sir,"  the  King  said  kindly. 

"  I  would  ask  a  few  weeks'  leave  from  Court." 

"Wlierefore?" 

"  To  accompany  Sir  John  de  Bury  to  Craigston ; 
and  to  stop  at  my  own  castle  of  Gaillard  on  my 
return." 

Richard  laughed  lightly.  "  It  Is  granted,  and 
may  success  attend  you,"  he  said.  "  And  by  St. 
Paul!  if  you  win  the  Countess  you  shall  wed  her, 
else  I  am  not  King  of  England." 


160  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

De  Lacy  blushed  like  a  girl,  and  the  King  laughed 
more  heartily. 

"  Methinks  Sir  John  is  friendly  to  you,"  he  added, 
"  and  in  that  you  are  very  fortunate.  But  you  have 
rivals  in  plenty,  so  watch  them  carefully.  Remem- 
ber, I  do  not  make  the  match,  but  should  you  two 
wish  it,  none  shall  make  it  otherwise." 

"  Perchance  some  day  I  may  remind  Your  Majesty 
of  those  words,"  said  De  Lacy. 

"  And  shall  find  me  ready  to  fulfill  them,  though  I 

bring  an  army  at  my  back If  need  be, 

you  are  now  excused  from  attendance  until  you  re- 
turn, but  report  to  me  to-morrow  night ;  I  may  have 

some  service  for  you  on  the  journey 

Announce  me." 

Swinging  back  the  door,  Aymer  lifted  the  arras. 

"  The  King !  "  he  heralded. 

Instantly  quiet  reigned  and  every  one  sprang  to 
his  feet  and  uncovered. 

"  Be  seated,  gentlemen,"  said  the  King 

"  Ah !  Norfolk,  a  word  with  you ,  "  he  said,  and  led 
the  way  to  a  large  window  in  a  far  corner  of  the 
apartment. 

"  Well,  Howard,"  said  he,  "  the  break  with  Staf- 
ford nears — though  it  comes  quicker  than  I  had 
thought.    Were  you  here  when  he  left  me.''  " 

"  In  sooth,  yes,  and  he  was  wildly  angry.  He 
overtook  the  younger  Stanley  at  yonder  door  and  liis 
words  were  high  enough  to  carry  back,  though  not 
distinguishable." 


THE  KING'S  WORD  161 

"  I  know  their  import.  De  Lacy  met  him  in  the 
courtyard,  and  was  appealed  to  to  tell  who  made 
Gloucester  King." 

"  The  man  is  a  fool  or  crazy,"  the  Duke  ex- 
claimed ;  "  and  thrice  so  to  make  a  Stanley  his  confi- 
dant. Methought  he  would  have  got  a  little  wisdom 
lately  by  association  with  Your  Majesty." 

"  Nay,  Stafford  has  no  statecraft  in  him  and  can 
learn  none." 

"  Yet  it  would  seem  he  deems  himself  a  second 
Kingmaker,"  the  Earl  Marshal  remarked  senten- 
tiously. 

"  Let  him  beware  then  lest  he  meet  a  Warwick's 
death — or  one  less  noble." 

"  But,  Sire,  do  you  trust  entirely  this  De  Lacy  if 
Buckingham  grow  discontent?  Was  he  not  first 
vouched  for  by  him .''  " 

"  Did  you  ever  hear  of  a  De  Lacy  untrue  to 
England's  King.?  " 

"  By  the  Rood,  no !  they  were  ever  stanch  for 
him  who  wore  the  crown — even  as  Howard  has  been." 

"  And  I  trust  De  Lacy  as  I  trust  Howard,"  with 
the  winning  smile  he  could  use  so  well  when  he 
wished. 

The  old  Peer  bent  knee  and  made  to  kiss  the  royal 
hand. 

"  Not  so,  John,"  said  Richard,  raising  him ;  "  let 
that  go  save  where  ceremony  demand  it.  Your  hon- 
est grip  makes  faith  enough  for  Gloucester." 

After  some  serious  consultation  Norfolk  took  his 
11 


16a  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

leave,  and  Richard,  passing  on  to  his  apartments 
and  to  the  window  that  overlooked  the  courtyard, 
watched  him  ride  off  to  his  own  abode.  Then  with 
serious  face  he  turned  away. 

"  Norfolk  and  Surrey  are  trustworthy,"  he  said 
half  aloud,  "  but  who  else  of  the  Peers  ?  .  .  .  . 
By  St.  Paul!  it  would  seem  well  to  finish  Edward's 
business  of  snuffing  out  the  old  Nobility.  Yet  I 
have  no  Touton  and  Tewkesbury  to  work  an  oppor- 
tunity, nor  are  the  Yorkists  united  behind  me. 
It  is  a  hard  problem;   and  the  way 

through  is  far  from  clear Buckingham — 

the  Stanleys — Northumberland — all  their  friends — 
I  trust  them  not  ....  yet  must  favor  them 
with  power  that  ere  long  may  work  my  ruin. 
.  .  .  .  It  has  become  fashionable  in  England  it 
would  seem,  since  the  Second  Richard's  time,  to 
crown  a  new  King  ere  the  old  one  died.  It  was  so 
with  him  of  Bordeaux — of  Windsor — ^and  my  own 
dear  nephew — ^and  pardieu !  it  may  be  the  same  with 
me.  Yet,  no !  By  St.  Paul,  no !  If  that  time  ever 
come,  there  shall  be  a  change  in  the  fashion:  when 
the  new  King  feels  his  crown,  Richard  of  Gloucester 
will  be  dead." 


XIII 
At  Royal  Windsob 

But  the  following  day  brought  a  change  of  plans. 
The  King  had  held  council  with  himself  during  the 
night;  and  in  the  morning  there  went  forth  the 
word  that  in  late  July  he  would  make  a  royal  prog- 
ress through  his  realm,  and  in  the  ancient  town  of 
York  be  crowned  a  second  time.  Of  this  purpose 
Richard  had  promptly  informed  the  Queen  at  West- 
minster; and  the  same  messenger  who  bore  her  an- 
swer bore  also  a  letter  from  the  Countess  of  Clare 
to  Sir  John  de  Bury,  advising  him  that  she  would 
not  go  North,  as  had  been  intended,  but  would  wait 
and  attend  Her  Majesty;  explaining  that  not  only 
could  she  thus  make  the  long  journey  with  no  trou- 
ble to  him  and  with  more  comfort  to  herself,  but 
also  that  she  was  moved  by  the  express  desire  of 
the  Queen,  who  was  loath  to  lose  her. 

Sir  John  straightway  sought  the  castle,  and  De 
Lacy  had  small  trouble  in  persuading  him  to  remain 
and  ride  back  to  Yorkshire  with  the  King.  That 
evening  Aymer  informed  His  Majesty  that,  on  ac- 
count of  the  new  orders,  he  would  not  relinquish  for 
the  present  his  duties  as  Knight  of  the  Body,  and 
Richard  smiled  comprehendingly,  but  made  no  com- 
ment. 

168 


164  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Three  days  later  the  Court  moved  to  Windsor. 
On  the  morning  after  the  arrival  there,  as  De  Lacy 
rounded  the  front  of  St.  George's  Chapel,  he  came 
upon  the  Queen,  attended  only  by  the  Countess  of 
Clare.  He  uncovered,  and  with  a  deep  obeisance  was 
passing  on  when  the  former  addressed  him. 

"  Sir  Aymer,"  she  said,  and  he  halted  and  bowed 
low  again,  "  methought  you  had  left  us  for  distant 
Yorkshire.  We  are  glad  the  information  was  not 
sound. — Are  we  not,  Beatrix  ?  "  with  a  sly  glance  at 
her  companion. 

"  Whatever  pleases  you  pleases  me,"  the  Countess 
answered  with  a  frank  smile. 

"  And  do  you  know.  Sir  Aymer,"  said  the  Queen, 
who  was  in  a  happy  mood,  "  that  the  Countess  of 
Clare  had  also  proposed  leaving  us  for  Craigston 
Castle  ....  and,  indeed,  upon  the  very 
morning  you  had  fixed  to  go  ?  " 

"  What  rare  fortune  to  have  met  her  on  the 
way,"  said  Aymer. 

"  Greater  fortune,  think  you,  than  to  be  with 
her  here  at  Windsor.''  " 

The  Countess  looked  at  her  mistress  in  blank 
surprise. 

"  Could  there  be  greater  fortune  than  to  be 
where  Your  Majesty  is  in  presence  ?"  Aymer  asked. 

"  Where  she  is  in  presence  at  this  particular  mo- 
ment, you  mean .'' "  taking  Beatrix's  hand. 

"  Your  Majesty  is  hardly  fair  to  Sir  Aymer  or 
to  me,"  said  the  Countess  quickly.    "  You  draw  his 


AT  ROYAL  WINDSOR  166 

scanty  compliments  from  him  like  an  arrow  from  a 
wound — hurting  him  all  the  while." 

The  Queen  laughed.  "  If  all  Sir  Aymer's  wounds 
hurt  him  no  more,  he  is  likely  to  know  little  pain." 

"  I  know  he  is  French-bred  and  a  courtier,"  Bea- 
trix answered. 

"  As  you  told  me  once  before  in  Pontefract,"  De 
Lacy  observed. 

"  And  as  I  am  very  apt  to  tell  you  again  when 
you  are  presumptuous  and  flattering," 

"  Henceforth   I   shall   be   neither." 

"  Charming,  Sir  Aymer,  charming  ....  if 
you  could." 

"  I  can." 

"  Till  you  meet  another  woman." 

"  It  is  not  in  the  other  woman  that  my  danger 
lies." 

Beatrix  frowned,  and  the  Queen  laughed. 

"  The  Countess  seems  to  know  your  failings,  Sir 
Aymer,"  she  said,  "  and  may  be  this  is  a  good  time 
for  you  to  know  them,  too.    Nay,  Beatrix,  you  need 

not  accompany  me I  am  going  to  the 

Chapel.  Do  you  take  Sir  Aymer  in  hand  and  bring 
him  out  of  his  French  habits,  since  you  do  not  like 
them.     For  my  part,  I  think  them  very  charming." 

"  Surely  she  loves  you,"  said  De  Lacy,  when  the 
Queen  had  gone. 

The  Countess  gave  him  her  shoulder. 

"  She  takes  a  queer  way  to  show  it  then,"  she 
retorted,  her  foot  beating  a  tattoo  on  the  stones. 


166  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

He  smothered  a  laugh.     "  Shall  we  walk?  "  he 
asked. 

He  got  a  shrug  and  a  louder  tattoo. 

"  Since  the  Queen  has  left  me  to  your  tender 
mercies,"  she  said  coldly,  "  I  am  at  your  service." 

They  walked  in  silence;  he  smiling;  she  stern- 
eyed  and  face  straight  to  the  fore. 

"  Does  it  occur  to  you,  my  lady,"  he  said  after  a 
while,  "  that  you  are  a  bit  unjust?  " 

The  small  head  lifted  higher    ....    then  pres- 
ently, with  rising  inflection:   "  Unjust — to  whom?  " 

"  To  the  Queen." 

"  I  am  sorry." 

"  And  unjust  to  me  also." 

No  answer — only  a  faint  toss  of  the  ruddy  tresses. 

"  And  to  me  also,"  he  repeated. 

She  surveyed  him  ignoringly — and  turned  away, 
eyebrows  lifted. 

De  Lacy  smiled  and  waited. 

Presently  she  gave  him  a  quick,  sidelong  glance. 

He  was  gazing  idly  toward  the  river 

Again  she  looked    ....    and  again — each  time  a 

trifle  more  deliberately Finally  she  faced 

him. 

**  You   are   unusually    disagreeable   to-day,"   she 
said. 

"  I  am  sorry,"  he  answered  instantly.    "  I  do  not 
wish  to  be." 

It  was  so  contrary  to  what  she  had  expected  that 
she  halted  In  sheer  surprise. 


AT  ROYAL  WINDSOR  167 

"  I  wonder,"  she  said  musingly  .  ..."  I 
wonder  .  .  .  .  "  then  she  laughed  forgivingly. 
"  Come,  let  us  cease  this  constant  banter.  We  have 
been  at  it  ever  since  we  met,  and  it  profits  nothing 
to  our  friendship." 

"  With  all  my  heart,"  he  exclaimed,  taking  her 
hand  and  pressing  it  with  light  fingers. 

She  drew  it  away  sharply. 

"  Do  you  think  that  a  fitting  way  to  begin  ?  " 

"  Your  pardon,"  he  said  softly ;  "  I  fear  I  did  not 
think." 

She  looked  at  him  with  quick  scrutiny. 

"  We  islanders  are  not  given  to  impulse,  Sir  Ay- 
mer,  and  do  not  trust  it  deeply.  I  forgive  you — but 
....    not  again." 

"  By  St.  Denis !  I  seem  to  blunder  always,"  he  said 
sadly.  "  I  please  you  in  nothing  and  am  ever  at 
fault." 

"  You  are  unjust  to  yourself,"  she  protested. 
"  You  please  me  in  much,  and    ....    you  ought 

to  know  it ;  "  then  she  blushed "  Let  us 

go  on  the  terrace,"  and  hurried  across 

"  Now  talk  to  me  ....  not  about  me,"  she 
said  rather  curtly,  as  she  sat  down. 

De  Lacy  was  growing  used  to  these  swift  shifts 
of  humor,  these  flashes  of  tenderness,  veering  in- 
stantly to  aloofness,  and  then  back  to  a  half-confi- 
dential camaraderie,  that  was  alluringly  delicious, 
yet  irritatingly  unsatisfying.  At  first  he  had  tried 
to  force  the  situation  to  his  own  liking, — ^to  break 


168  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

through  her  moods  and  effect  an  atmosphere  more 
equable, — but  she  soon  had  taught  him  the  folly  of 
it,  and  never  failed  to  punish  when  he  forgot.  This 
time  she,  herself,  had  broken  through  a  bit,  but  that 
would  only  make  his  punishment  the  heavier. 

At  first  the  conversation  was  aimless  and  discon- 
nected. De  Lacy  let  it  drift  and  the  Countess  was 
rather  distrait  and  steered  it  uncertainly.  Pres- 
ently she  took  a  grip  upon  herself,  and,  before  he 
realized  it,  he  was  telling  her  of  the  French  Court; 
of  Louis  the  King,  whom  men  called  "  The  Fell,"  but 
who  was,  he  said,  the  ablest  of  the  Valois,  and  would 
do  much  for  France — though  not  by  the  means  then 
deemed  most  honorable, — ^being  far  ahead  of  his  Age. 
He  spoke  of  the  brave,  dead  St.  Pol,  the  Constable — 
after  Dunois,  the  greatest  since  Du  Guesclin's 
time.  He  told  her  of  their  palaces  ....  of 
the  life  of  their  women,  though  he  touched  but 
lightly  upon  its  loose  gayety  ....  of  the  cities 
of  the  great  domains  whereon  the 
noble  had  the  "  right  of  high  justice,  the  mid- 
dle and  the  low,"  and  indeed  up  until  very  lately 
had  done  his  own  sweet  will  toward  aught  but 
the  King,  and  in  many  cases  toward  the  King  him- 
self  And  at  length  he  mentioned  hav- 
ing seen  and  met  Henry  Tudor,  Earl  of  Richmond, 
at  the  Court  of  Blois.  Concerning  him  the  Countess 
asked  many  questions,  and  Aymer  answered  them 
as  best  he  could.  He  had  not  given  the  Earl  much 
thought,  nor  had  he  oflPered  him  any  attentions,  for 


AT  ROYAL  WINDSOR  169 

he  was  regarded  as  little  more  than  adventurer — 
though  one  with  strangely  plenty  of  money;  and 
who  was  tolerated  by  the  crafty  Louis  only  because 
he  might  be  useful  some  time  to  play  against  the 
Yorkist  King  of  England. 

"  Methinks  there  is  more  in  the  Tudor  than  you 
credit,"  said  the  Countess.  "  I  have  heard  much 
of  him,  and  from  one  who  knows  him  well — or  did  a 
few  years  since.  He  is  not  a  brave  Knight  or  skilled 
warrior  may  be,  but  he  has  a  certain  shrewdness 
and  determination  which  would  make  him  a  formid- 
able rival  for  the  Crown,  if  he  were  able  to  muster 
a  following  or  had  an  opportunity  to  arouse  any  en- 
thusiasm for  his  cause." 

"  And  from  what  wise  person  did  you  learn  all 
this.''  "  De  Lacy  asked  with  an  amused  smile. 

*'  From  the  Countess  of  Northumberland." 

"  And  whence  comes  her  knowledge  ?  " 

"  If  you  were  not  new  to  England  you  would  not 
ask,"  said  she.  "  Henry  Tudor  was  for  years  a 
prisoner  of  state  in  her  father's  castle  of  Pembroke. 
She  knows  him  from  daily  companionship  and  should 
be  competent  to  judge.  Indeed,  as  the  Lady  Maude 
Herbert,  it  is  said  she  was  betrothed  to  him." 

"  Why  did  she  marry  Percy  ?  " 

"  That  I  can  only  guess.  Her  father  fell  at 
Edgecote ;  there  were  six  other  sisters  ....  and 
the  great  Earl  came  a-wooing.  Besides,  Richmond 
was  in  exile,  had  lost  his  patrimony  and  a  price  was 
on  his  head." 


170  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

**  And  she  never  loved  him  ?  "  De  Lacy  asked. 

"  Nay,  that  I  do  not  know ;  but  she  was  very 
young,  and  if  she  did  it  was  not  likely  a  lasting  pas- 
sion. She  seems  happy  enough  as  chatelaine  of  Top- 
cHffe." 

"  Doubtless — yet,  nevertheless,  there  is  another 
woman  in  England  than  Stanley's  Countess  who 
may  be  dangerous  to  Richard  if  Henry  Tudor  ever 
seek  an  issue  with  him." 

"  You  mean  the  Countess  of  Northumberland.'*  " 

"  Aye.  Percy  wields  huge  power.  He  and  the 
Stanleys  together  could  well-nigh  topple  the  throne. 
Lord  Stanley  no  man  trusts — and  it  was  a  Percy 
whose  treason  sent  the  Second  Richard  to  his  doom." 

"  Richard  of  Bordeaux  was  not  Richard  of  Glou- 
cester," she  argued. 

**  In  truth,  no,  but  the  conditions  then  were  far 
more  favorable  to  the  King.  Beheve  me,  wore  I  the 
Crown,  these  two  women  would  give  me  more  con- 
cern than  all  the  nobles  in  my  kingdom." 

"What  would  you  do  if  you  were  King.''"  she 
asked,  smiling. 

De  Lacy  held  up  his  hands.  *'  Do !  When  I  can- 
not control  even  one  woman,  I  would  make  a  merry 
mess  with  two  and  a  kingdom  besides." 

Just  then  a  horn  spoke  merrily  from  the  court- 
yard and  De  Lacy  sprang  up. 

"  Richard  is  for  a  ride  in  Windsor  forest 
and  I  must  away,"  he  said.  "  I  would  that  you 
went,  too." 


AT  ROYAL  WINDSOR  171 

"  We  do  go,"  she  said.  "  Let  us  haste  or  I  shall 
be  late  to  horse." 

*'  May  I  ride  with  you.''  "  he  asked. 

She  nodded.    "  For  a  httle  way.'* 

"  Why  not  all  the  way .''  "  he  persisted. 

"  Because  the  King  would  object " — it  was  the 
flash  of  tenderness  now. 

"  Nay,  he  would  be  quite  satisfied,"  De  Lacy 
answered  unthinkingly. 

She  stopped  short. 

"  Indeed !  "  she  exclaimed  frigidly ;  "  well,  I  would 
not ;  "  and  turning  abruptly,  she  entered  a  private 
passage  and  disappeared. 

"  Now  the  Devil  take  my  foolish  tongue,"  Aymer 

muttered,  as  the  door  clanged  behind  her 

Then  the  horn  rang  out  again,  and  in  vast  disgust 
and  anger  he  hurried  to  his  room  and  into  riding 
dress. 

But  his  haste  made  him  awkward  and  he  lost 
precious  moments ;  and  when  at  length  he  rushed 
down  the  stairs  and  into  the  courtyard  it  was  to  see 
Lord  Darby  swing  the  Countess  of  Clare  into  saddle 
and  dash  off  beside  her. 

De  Lacy  swore  such  a  string  of  good  round 
French  oaths  that  the  silent  Giles  Dauvrey  was  so 
startled  from  his  wonted  equanimity  that  for  the  mo- 
ment he  forgot  to  mount  and  follow,  but  stood  watch- 
ing his  master  in  serious  wonder,  as  Selim  raced 
toward  the  gate. 

However,  anger  would  not  mend  the  matter  and 


17«  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

good  humor  might,  so  he  put  on  a  smiling  front. 
And  when  he  presently  neared  the  Countess  and 
Lord  Darby  he  reined  close  beside  her  and  cantered 
by  with  bonnet  doflFed. 

"  I  shall  claim  your  promise  presently,"  he  said, 
his  eyes  seeking  her  face — though  he  doubted  much 
if  she  would  give  it  to  him. 

But  her  humor  had  veered  again,  and  she  answered 
with  such  a  bewitching  smile  he  was  utterly  bewil- 
dered, and  for  a  time  Selim  went  whither  and  how 
he  listed. 

"  May  I  ask  what  is  the  promise.?  "  said  Lord 
Darby. 

The  Countess  raised  her  eyebrows  in  annoyed  sur- 
prise. 

"  I  promised  to  ride  with  him  this  morning." 

"  The  promise  is  cancelled  now." 

"  And  why,  my  lord  ?" 

"  He  was  a  sluggard  at  the  start." 

She  bent  forward  and  put  aright  a  bit  of  Wilda*s 
mane. 

"  Nay,  sir,  why  should  you  wish  him  punished," 
said  she  lightly,  "  since  it  gives  you  a  little  of  my 
society  ?  " 

He  leaned  suddenly  over  and  laid  his  hand  upon 
her  arm. 

"  Will  you  not  give  it  to  me  until  the  end  of  life  ?  " 
he  asked  earnestly. 

She  gazed  at  him  a  moment  in  startled  surprise — 
then  laughed  merrily. 


AT  ROYAL  WINDSOR  173 

"  You  said  that  with  delightful  promptness,  my 
lord,"  she  exclaimed.  "  Practice  makes  one  pro- 
ficient, surely." 

A  cold  light  settled  in  Darby's  eyes,  and  he 
straightened  in  the  saddle  and  faced  to  the  front. 

"  If  a  man  be  a  gallant  once,  need  that  condemn 

his  words  to  disbelief  forever.''  "  he  asked 

**  May  not  even  the  most  confirmed  trifler  have,  some 
time,  an  honest  passion .''  " 

"  Doubtless,  yes,"  she  said,  with  a  shrug  of  the 
shapely  shoulders **  Only    .    .    .    . " 

"Only    ....    only  what.?" 

"  Only  that  it  is  very  rare  and  its  proof  requires 
strong  demonstration  and  long  service." 

"  And  I  am  ready  to  do  both,"  he  said  eagerly. 

"  Then,  one  day,  my  lord,  you  will  bring  great 
joy  to  some  loving  heart,"  she  replied,  looking  him 
calmly  in  the  eyes. 

An  awkward  silence  followed — that  was  not 
broken  until  Sir  Aymer  came  galloping  back. 
With  a  familiarly  courteous  salute  he  swung  Selim 
around;  and  Lord  Darby,  seizing  the  opportunity, 
bowed  low  to  the  Countess,  and  with  a  menacing 
glare  at  De  Lacy — who  met  it  with  a  careless  smile 
— ^he  spurred  away. 

The  Countess  had  observed  Darby's  look  and  she 
followed  him  with  a  frown  ....  and  De  Lacy 
wisely  kept  silent. 

"  I  am  glad  you  came,"  she  said  presently — then 
pulled  Wilda  to  a  "walk.    **  Let  us  loiter ;  since  w^e 


174  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

are  late  it  is  small  matter  when  we  reach  the  rendez- 
vous." 

"  Why  reach  it  at  all?  "  he  asked. 

She  hesitated. 

*'  Why  not  ride  ?  "  he  persisted. 

She  looked  at  the  horses  thoughtfully  .... 
then  shook  her  head.  "  I  would  far  rather  ride,"  she 
said,  "  but  the  Queen  expects  me ;  duty  calls." 

"  St.  Denis !  I  had  quite  forgot — duty  calls  me, 
too." 

But  they  did  not  take  the  horses  from  their  walk, 
and  it  was  far  after  time  when  they  reached  the 
wide  open  space  in  the  forest,  where  the  party 
had  assembled. 

Upon  one  side  were  pitched  three  large  silk  pavil- 
ions; the  center  one  of  red  and  blue — the  colors  of 
the  Kingdom ;  the  others,  gold  and  blue — the  colors 
of  the  House  of  York.  In  front  and  for  a  wide 
space  around  on  the  soft  turf  were  spread  the  thick 
carpets  of  the  far  East.  Before  the  tents  paced 
two  archers  of  the  guard ;  and  stationed  at  close 
intervals  around  the  clearing  were  a  goodly  force  of 
these  veterans,  all  of  whom  had  been  among  the  per- 
sonal retainers  of  Richard  when  he  was  Duke  of 
Gloucester. 

Not  over  two  score  of  the  Court  had  been  bidden, 
and  these  were  clustered  before  the  royal  pavilion 
when  De  Lacy  and  the  Countess  rode  up.  A  volley 
of  chafF  greeted  them  as  he  lifted  her  from  the 
saddle.     One  suggested  that  they  had  lost  their 


AT  ROYAL  WINDSOR  175 

way  ....  another  that  it  was  a  shame  to  bring 
in  horses  so  utterly  exhausted  ....  another 
that  they  must  have  stumbled  on  the  Court  by  acci- 
dent    ....     another  that  there  was  powder  on 

De  Lacy's  sleeve And  so  it  went;  until 

Beatrix,  in  sheer  desperation,  gathered  her  skirts 
about  her  and  fled  into  the  tent. 

The  Queen  was  alone,  resting  on  a  couch  in  the 
inner  apartment ;  but  she  had  heard  the  noisy  greet- 
ings outside  and  had  wondered  who  were  the  victims. 
Beatrix's  entrance  and  snapping  eyes  told  her;  and 
she  met  her  with  a  smile  of  sympathy. 

"  Do  not  mind  them,  dear,"  she  said.  "  They 
mean  nothing  and  you  have  heard  a  dozen  others 
treated  so,  under  similar  circumstances." 

"  I  know  ....  I  know  ....  Your  Maj- 
esty," she  replied,  with  nervous  energy  .... 
*'  but  it  was  most  annoying  ....  and  with  Sir 
Aymer." 

*'  I  doubt  not  he  would  give  much  to  know  that 
fact,"  said  the  Queen  with  an  amused  smile. 

"  It  is  because  I  fear  he  does  know  it  that  I  am  so 
vexed.  By  my  faith,  I  have  made  a  merry  mess  of 
it  all  through  this  morning." 

"  The  merriest  mess  and  the  best  you  could  make, 
my  dear  girl,"  motioning  her  to  a  place  on  the  couch, 
**  would  be  to  marry  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy." 

The  Countess  gave  a  look  of  startled  surprise — 
then  dropped  her  head. 

"  And  methinks,"  Anne  went  on,  watching  her 


176  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

closely,  "  that  you  are  of  the  same  mind.  Take 
your  Queen's  word,  aye,  and  your  King's  as  well — 
for  Richard  has  spoken  of  it — and  quarter  the  red 
chevrons  with  the  silver  stag." 

The  Countess  was  slowly  tracing  figures  on  the 
carpet  with  her  riding  whip;  and  her  mistress 
pressed  on: 

"  You  surely  cannot  hesitate  from  doubt  of  his 
affection.  In  a  thousand  ways  he  shows  you  that. 
And  certes  you  have  had  enough  of  suitors  to  be 
able  to  weigh  very  scrupulously  the  faith  they  bring. 
He  loves  you  honestly.  He  is  your  equal  in  birth; 
and  though  his  English  title  be  inferior  to  yours,  he 
is  a  Count  in  France.  Why  not,  my  dear  Beatrix,  be 
.  .  .  .  kind  to  him  ?  "  and  she  put  her  arm  about 
her. 

"  You  are  an  earnest  pleader,  my  dear  mistress," 
said  the  Countess,  still  busy  with  the  carpet    .... 

"  and,  may  be,  not  without  cause Sir  Ay- 

mer  is  all  you  aver     ....     a  braver  Knight  or 

truer  heart  I  never  knew And  it  would 

be  false  modesty  to  pretend  I  think  he  does  not  love 
me.  I  did  doubt  it  until  lately,  but  the  doubt  has 
gone  now.  Were  I  as  sure  of  myself  as  I  am  of 
him,  I  would  hold  him  off  not  a  moment  longer — he 
might  speak  when  he  chose  ....  and  the 
quickest  would  not  be  too  quick  for  me  ....  In- 
deed, sometimes  I  long  for  him  with  eager  heart ;  yet, 
when  he  comes,  I  grow  weak  in  resolution  and  from 
very  timidity  give  him  oply  chilly  wtrrtis." 


AT  ROYAL  WINDSOR  ITT 

The  Queen  drew  her  a  little  closer.  "  I  under- 
stand, dear,"  she  said.  "  It  was  so  with  me  when  my 
own  dear  Ibrd  came  wooing." 

"  And  how  did  you  ....  change?  "  Beatrix 
asked,  and  blushed  winsomely. 

And  Anne  blushed,  too.  "  Nay,  I  do  not  know. 
.  .  .  .  One  day  my  heart  met  his  words  and  all 
was  peace  and  happiness." 

The  Countess  sighed.  "  I  wish  it  might  be  so 
with  me,"  she  said,  and  tears  were  in  her  voice; 
"  for  lately  I  have  grown  very  lonely — and  after 
you,  this  man  comforts  me  the  most." 

"  My  sweet  Beatrix,"  said  the  Queen,  "  Sir  Aymer 
has  you  safe  enough,"  and  she  put  both  arms  around 
her  and  kissed  her  cheek. 

And  so,  a  moment  later,  the  King  found  them ;  and 
with  a  smile,  half  sympathy  and  half  amusement,  he 
said: 

"  Methinks,  my  dear,  you  and  the  Countess  are 
wasting  sadly  your  favors  on  each  other.  And  I 
am  acquainted  with  many  a  gallant  Knight — but 
one  especial — who  would  give  his  quarterings  to 
be  prisoner  to  her  as  you  are  at  this  moment." 

Beatrix's  cheeks  and  brow  went  rosy  and  in  sharp 
embarrassment  she  hid  her  face  upon  the  Queen's 
shoulder. 

"  Pardleu,  my  dear,"  said  Richard,  "  I  did 
not  mean  to  distress  you — yet  since  I  have  said  it,  let 
me  say  a  little  more.    As  the  Queen  likes  you,  so  like 

I  De  Lacy,  and  I  have  given  him  these  words :  *  I 
12 


178  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

make  not  the  match,  but  if  jou  two  wish  it,  none 
shall  make  it  otherwise.'  And  I  give  them  now  to 
you  also.  Nay,  thank  me  not,"  as  she  arose  and 
curtsied  low ;  "  and  while  the  match  would  please 
us  weH,  yet  it  is  our  pleasure  to  follow  your  desires. 
All  we  need  is  to  know  them,  and  that  in  your  own 
good  time."  And  Richard  took  her  hand  and  kissed 
it;  then  flung  aside  the  curtains  and  went  out  as 
abruptly  as  he  had  entered. 


XIV 

The  Queen  of  Archery 

As  the  King  appeared  before  the  pavilion,  a  bugle 
rang  out,  the  soldiers  presented  halberds,  and  all  talk 
ceased  sharply. 

"  My  good  friends,"  said  he,  "  I  have  brought 
you  here  to-day  to  test  your  skill  with  a  weapon  that 
once  made  an  English  army  the  most  feared  in  all 
the  world.  In  a  word,  I  am  curious  to  know  how 
steadily  you  can  draw  the  cord  and  lay  your  bodies 
to  the  bow.  Yonder  are  the  butts,  and  here  the 
staves  and  the  draw  line.  It  is  but  a  poor  one  hun- 
dred paces  to  the  nearest  clout;  and  as  that  will  be 
too  beggarly  a  distance  for  you,  my  lords,  you  shall 
use  the  second.  The  first  has  been  placed  for  the 
fair  dames  who  are  to  shoot  with  you,  if  they  will." 

And  taking  the  hand  of  the  Queen,  who  had  come 
forth  with  the  Countess  of  Clare  and  was  standing 
beside  him,  he  led  the  way  to  the  near  end  of  the 
clearing  where,  on  a  rustic  table  built  of  boughs, 
were  piled  an  assortment  of  yew  staves  and  arrows 
of  seasoned  ash,  with  cords  of  deer  hide,  wrist  gloves, 
baldrics,  and  all  the  paraphernalia  essential  to  the 
archer's  outfit. 

"  Let  the  lots  be  drawn,'*  he  commanded ;  and  a 
page  came  forward  with  the  disc-bag. 

179 


180  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

As  soon  as  De  Lacy  saw  that  Beatrix  would  par- 
ticipate in  the  contest,  he  chose  with  much  care  a 
stave  best  adapted  for  her  wrist,  and  picking  out  a 
string  to  correspond  and  three  grey-goose-feather 
shafts  of  a  proper  length  and  thickness,  he  brought 
them  to  her. 

"  Do  you  not  shoot  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  Yes — but  with  small  hope.  The  French  do 
not  run  to  the  long  bow,  and  while  once  I  could 
ring  the  blanc  I  am  sadly  out  of  practice." 

"  Ring  it  now  ....  you  can,"  she  said 
softly. 

He  looked  at  her  hesitatingly.  "  Tell  me,"  he 
said,  coming  a  bit  nearer ;  "  tell  me  ....  will 
you  be  sorry  if  I  fail  ?  " 

But  the  old  habit  held  her  and  she  veered  off. 

"  Assuredly  ....  it  would  be  poor  friend- 
ship if  I  were  not."  ....  A  bowstring  twanged 
and  the  crowd  applauded.  "  Come,"  she  exclaimed, 
**  the  match  has  begun." 

**  And  is  this  my  answer.''  "  he  asked. 

"  Yes, .  Sir  Insistent  ....  until  the  ride 
back,"  and  left  him. 

The  luck  of  the  discs  had  made  the  Countess  of 
Clare  the  last  to  shoot.  When  she  came  forward  to 
the  line  the  butt  was  dotted  over  with  the  feathered 
shafts ;  but  the  white  eye  that  looked  out  from  their 
midst  was  still  unharmed,  though  the  Duchess  of 
Buckingham  and  Lady  Clifton  had  grazed  its  edge. 
Beatrix  had  slipped  the  arrows  through  her  girdle. 


THE  QUEEN  OF  ARCHERY  181 

and  plucking  out  one  she  fitted  it  to  the  string  with 
easy  grace.  Then  without  pausing  to  measure  the 
distance  she  raised  the  bow,  and  drawing  with  the 
swift  but  steady  motion  of  the  right  wrist  got  only 
by  hard  practice,  and  seemingly  without  taking  aim, 
she  sped  the  shaft  toward  the  mark. 

"  Bravo ! "  exclaimed  the  King,  as  it  quivered  in 
the  white. 

Before  the  word  had  died,  the  second  arrow  rested 
beside  it;  and  even  as  it  struck,  the  string  twanged 
again  and  the  third  joined  the  others  in  the  blanc. 

"  My  dear  Countess,"  said  Richard,  "  I  did  not 
know  we  entertained  another  Monarch.  Behold  the 
Queen  of  Archery !  Hail  and  welcome  to  our  King- 
dom and  our  Court !  .  .  .  .  Gentlemen,  have  you 
no  knee  for  Her  Majesty?  " 

Beatrix  blushed  and  curtsied  in  return,  then 
quickly  withdrew  to  the  side  of  the  Queen. 

"  Methinks,  my  lords,"  Richard  said,  "  you  have 
got  a  hard  score  to  best.  However,  it  is  but  two 
hundred  yards  to  your  target ;  so  let  it  be  the  notch 
to  the  string,  the  string  to  the  ear,  and  the  shaft  in 
the  white  clout  yonder." 

As  the  King  had  said,  the  distance  was  short 
for  rovers.  In  all  regular  contests  the  mark  was 
never  under  two  hundred  and  twenty  paces,  and  in 
many  districts  it  was  nearer  four  hundred.  Never- 
theless, to  strike  an  object,  even  at  two  hundred,  that 
seemed  no  larger  than  one's  hand  is  no  easy  task; 
and  yet,  as  one  after  another  took  his  turn,  the  clout 


18«  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

was  pierced  repeatedly ;  once  by  some,  and  twice  by 
others;  but  only  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  and  Sir 
Aymer  de  Lacy  struck  it  thrice.  It  chanced,  how- 
ever, that  one  of  the  latter's  arrows  landed  directly 
in  the  center,  on  the  pin  that  held  the  cloth,  and  this 
gave  him  the  prize. 

"  For  one  who  is  half  a  Frenchman,  Sir  Aymer, 
you  handle  a  long  bow  most  amazing  well,"  the  King 

remarked "  Pardieu !  what  say  you  to  a 

match  between  the  victors  ?  " 

A  murmur  of  approval  greeted  the  suggestion. 

"  May  it  please  you,  my  liege,"  said  De  Lacy, 
**  permit  me  now  to  yield.  I  am  no  match  for  the 
Queen  of  Archery." 

"  We  will  not  excuse  you  ....  nor,  I  fancy, 
will  the  Countess,"  turning  toward  her. 

"  If  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  will  engage  to  shoot  his 
best  and  show  no  favor,  I  shall  not  refuse  the  trial," 
she  replied,  coming  forward. 

"By  St.  Paul!"  Richard  exclaimed.  "I  will 
answer  for  that  ....  here  is  the  prize,"  and 
deftly  plucking  the  lace  kerchief  from  her  hand  he 
passed  it  to  a  page.  "  Substitute  this  for  the  clout 
in  the  far  target,"  he  said. 

De  Lacy  thought  she  would  refuse  the  contest; 
but  to  his  surprise  she  smiled — though  with  rather 
indifferent  hauteur. 

"  It  is  hardly  fitting,  Sire,"  she  said,  choosing 
an  arrow,  "  that  I  should  both  contribute  the  prize 
and  contest  for  it." 


THE  QUEEN  OF  ARCHERY  183 

Then  Sir  Aymer  spoke,  bowing  low :  "  May  it 
please  Your  Majesty,  I  am  your  leal  subject,  yet  I 
shall  not  shoot  at  yonder  mark  unless  the  Countess 
of  Clare  consent." 

She  gave  him  a  grateful  look. 

"  I  thank  you,  Sir  Aymer,  for  the  courtesy,"  she 

said "  Shoot  and  welcome ;"  and  she 

stepped  to  the  draw  line. 

It  may  have  been  that  she  was  careless,  or  that 
the  scene  had  made  her  nervous,  for  while  her  first 
two  arrows  struck  the  blanc  truly  as  before,  the  third 
went  a  finger's  length  above  it.  With  a  shrug  she 
turned  away,  and  loosing  the  string  leaned  on  the 
long  stave,  waiting. 

De  Lacy  had  purposed  letting  her  defeat  him 
by  a  margin  so  slender  as  not  to  seem  intentional, 
but  catching  the  dark  eyes  of  the  King  fixed  on  him 
with  sharp  significance,  he  understood  that  he  was  to 
win  if  he  could.  So  he  drew  with  care,  and  pierced 
the  kerchief  thrice. 

De  Lacy  received  the  bit  of  lace  from  the  page 
and  proffered  it  to  the  Countess. 

"  It  is  quite  destroyed,"  he  said.     "  I  am  sorry." 

She  laughed  lightly.  *'  You  owe  me  no  apolo- 
gies, and  need  feel  no  regret.  You  won  it  hon- 
estly— and  I  accept  it  now  as  a  gift ;  a  guerdon  of 
your  prowess  and  your  courtesy." 

He  bowed ;  and  as  his  glance  sought  the  King, 
the  latter  nodded,  ever  so  lightly,  in  approval. 

An  hour  later,  after  the  repast  was  served,  the 


184  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

trumpet  gave  the  signal  for  departure.  As  De  Lacy 
stepped  forward  to  hold  the  stirrup,  Richard  waved 
him  aside,  and  putting  one  hand  on  his  horse's 
wither,  vaulted  easily  into  place. 

"  Look  to  the  ladies !  "  he  called ;  "  and  do  you, 
Sir  Aymer,  escort  the  Countess  of  Clare.  It 
is  meet  that  the  King  of  the  Bow  should  attend 
upon  his  Queen." 

Then  dropping  his  tones,  so  that  they  were  audi- 
ble only  to  De  Lacy,  he  said  with  a  familiar  earnest- 
ness :  "  And  if  you  do  not  turn  the  kerchief  to 
advantage,  you  deserve  no  further  aid.*' 

Reining  over  beside  the  Queen,  he  motioned  for 
the  others  to  follow  and  dashed  off  toward  Windsor. 
In  a  trice  they  were  gone,  and,  save  for  the  ser- 
vants, the  Countess  and  De  Lacy  were  alone. 

She  was  standing  beside  Wilda  waiting  to  be  put 
up,  and  when  Aymer  tried  to  apologize  for  the  de- 
lay, she  stopped  him. 

"  It  was  no  fault  of  yours,"  she  said — then  added 

archly,  head  turned  half   aside :   "  and   you  must 

blame  Richard  Plantagenet  for  being  left  with  me." 

"  Blame  him .''  "  he  exclaimed,  lifting  her  slowly — 

very  slowly — into  saddle "  Blame  him ! 

.  .  .  .  Do  you  think  I  call  it  so.?* "  and  fell  to 
arranging  her  skirt,  and  lingering  over  it  so  plainly 
that  the  Countess  smiled  in  unreserved  amusement. 
Yet  she  did  not  hurry  him.  And  when  he  had  dal- 
lied as  long  as  he  thought  he  dared,  he  stole  a 
quick  glance  upward — and  she  let  him  see  the  smile. 


THE  QUEEN  OF  ARCHERY         185 

"  Am  I  very  clumsy  ?  "  he  asked,  swinging  up  on 
Selim. 

She  waited  until  they  had  left  the  clearing  and 
the  grooms  behind  them  and  were  among  the  great 
tall  trees : 

"  Surely  not  ....  only  very  careful,"  she 
said  teasingly. 

He  was  puzzled  at  this  new  mood  that  had  come 
with  the  archery  and  still  tarried — this  careless  gay- 
ety  under  circumstances  which,  hitherto,  would  have 
made  her  severe  and  distant.  He  was  so  used  to 
being  frowned  upon,  reproved,  and  held  at  the  point 
that  he  was  quite  blind  to  the  change  it  signaled. 
He  bent  his  eyes  on  his  horse's  mane.  He  thought  of 
the  King's  words  as  to  the  kerchief  and  longed  for 
a  bit  of  his  astute  penetration  and  wonderful  tact, 
that  he  might  solve  this  provoking  riddle  beside 
him  and  lead  up  to  what  was  beating  so  fiercely  in 
his  breast.  In  his  perplexity  he  looked  appealingly 
toward  her. 

She  was  watching  him  with  the  same  amused 
smile  she  had  worn  since  the  fixing  of  the  skirt; 
and  was  guessing,  with  womanly  intuition,  what  was 
passing  in  his  mind. 

"  And  forsooth.  Sir  King  of  the  Bow,"  she  said — 
and  the  smile  rippled  into  a  laugh — "  are  you  so 
puffed  up  by  your  victory  that  you  will  not  deign  to 
address  me,  but  must  needs  hold  yourself  aloof,  even 
when  there  Is  none  to  see  your  condescension! 
....    Perchance  even  to  ride  beside  me  will  com- 


186  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

promise  your  dignity.  Proceed Pro- 
ceed  I  can  follow ;  or  wait  for  the  grooms 

or  the  scullions  with  the  victual  carts." 

And  this  only  increased  De  Lacy's  amazement  and 
indecision. 

"  Why  do  you  treat  me  so.?  "  he  demanded. 

"  Do  you  not  like  my  present  mood.''  "  she  asked. 

"  Yea,  verily,  that  I  do !  but  it  is  so  novel  I  am  be- 
wildered  My  brain  is  whirling 

You  are  like  a  German  escutcheon:  hard  to  read 
aright." 

"  Then  why  try  the  task?  " 

"  I  prefer  the  task,"  he  answered.  "  It  may  be 
difficult,  yet  it  has  its  compensations." 

"  You  flatterer,"  she  exclaimed ;  and  for  an  instant 
the  smile  became  almost  tender. 

"  Pardieu !  .  .  .  .  You  grow  more  inexpli- 
cable still Yesterday  I  would  have  been 

rated  sharply  for  such  words  and  called  presump' 
tuous  and  kindred  names." 

"  And  what  of  to-day  ....  if  that  were 
yesterday.''  " 

"  To-day !  .  .  .  .  To-day !  ....  It  has 
been  the  mirror  of  all  the  yesterdays  since  the  happy 
one  that  gave  me  first  sight  of  you  at  Pontefract; 
.  .  .  .  and  the  later  one  when,  ere  I  rode  back  to 
London,  I  begged  a  favor — the  kerchief  you  had 
dropped  by  accident — and  was  denied."     .... 

He  drew  Selim  nearer "  To-day  I  again 

secured  your  kerchief ;   and  though  I  wished  to  keep 


THE  QUEEN  OF  ARCHERY  187 

it  sorely  as  I  wished  before  to  keep  the  other,  yet 
like  it,  too,  I  could  only  give  it  back.  And  now, 
even  as  I  begged  before,  I  beg  again  for  the  favor. 
Will  you  not  grant  it?  " 

The  smile  faded  and  her  face  went  serious. 

"  Do  you  not  forget  the  words  of  that  first  re- 
fusal," she  asked,  "  that  *  Beatrix  de  Beaumont 
grants  neither  gage  nor  favor  until  she  plights  her 
troth'.?" 

"  Nay,  I  have  not  forgotten  " — and  with  sudden 
hope  that  made  his  throat  thicken  and  his  fingers 
chiU  he  reached  over  and  took  her  hand. 

She  did  not  withdraw  it  nor  reprove  him.  Instead, 
she  fastened  her  eyes  on  his  face  as  though  to  read 
his  very  heart  and  soul.  Unconsciously  they  had 
checked  their  horses.  Then  she  blushed,  and  avert- 
ing her  eyes  in  confusion  strove  to  release  her  hand. 
But  De  Lacy  pressed  on,  though  his  heart  beat  fast 
and  his  head  throbbed.  Leaning  across,  he  put  his 
arm  about  her  waist  and  drew  her — struggling 
gently — toward  him. 

"  And  the  kerchief,  dear  one  ?  "  he  whispered. 

"  Nay,  Aymer,  you  surely  do  not  wish  it  now," 
she  answered  brokenly. 

"  Now,  more  than  any  earthly  gift  or  Heavenly 
grace Give  it  to  me,  sweetheart." 

She  had  ceased  to  resist  and  his  face  was  getting 
perilously  near  her  own. 

Suddenly,  and  with  a  smile  De  Lacy  never  forgot, 
she  drew  forth  the  bit  of  torn  lace. 


188  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Here,  take  it,  dear,"  she  said. 

"  And  you  with  it,  sweetheart  ?  "  he  cried. 

"  Unto  death,  my  lord,"  she  answered ;  and  once 
more  the  blushes  came. 

She  tried  to  liide  her  face  in  her  hands,  but  with 
a  joyous  laugh  Aymer  lifted  her  from  the  saddle 
and  swung  her  across  and  into  his  strong  arms. 


XV 

The  Frown  of  Fate 

It  was  the  Countess'  wish  that  the  betrothal 
should  remain  secret  for  the  present,  and  therefore 
none  but  Their  Majesties  and  Sir  John  de  Bury  were 
acquainted  with  it.  The  old  Knight,  when  ap- 
proached bj  De  Lacy  on  the  subject,  had  clapped 
him  heartily  on  the  shoulder. 

"  Take  her,  lad,"  he  exclaimed ;  "  and  be  worthy, 
even  as  I  think  you  will.  The  King,  himself,  has 
spoken  in  your  behalf  ....  to  say  naught  of 
the  maid  herself.  But  by  St.  Luke !  this  fortune  will 
bring  its  drag.  The  Countess  has  had  too  many 
suitors  for  the  favored  one  to  escape  unhated.  Nay, 
do  not  shrug  yeur  shoulders  ....  or,  at  least, 
there  is  no  harm  in  shrugging  if  your  wit  be  keen, 
your  dagger  ever  ready,  and  your  arm  strong.  Re- 
member, De  Lacy,  that  you  are  a  stranger,  high  in 
favor  with  the  King,  and  that  Beatrix  has  broad 
acres  as  well  as  a  fair  face." 

"  And  also  that  there  is  a  certain  flat-nosed,  red- 
haired  knave  at  large,  who,  perchance,  may  honor 
me,  even  as  he  did  you." 

"  Spare  him,  lad,  spare  him  for  me !  .  .  .  .  Yet 
if  he  should  come  under  your  sword,  put  a  bit  more 
force  in  the  blow  for  my  sake." 

189 


190  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Trust  me  for  that I  shall  split  him 

six  inches  deeper — and  tell  him  why  as  I  do  it." 

"  It  will  make  me  still  more  your  debtor.  By 
the  Holy  Evangels !  if  I  were  assured  the  Abbot  Al- 
dam  of  Kirkstall  had  aught  to  do  with  that  attack 
upon  me,  I  would  harry  his  worthless  old  mummery 
shop  so  clean  a  mouse  would  starve  in  it." 

"  Hark  you,  Sir  John,"  said  Aymer,  "  I  may 
resign  the  Flat-Nose  to  you,  but  I  shall  claim  a  hand 
in  that  harrying  business  if  the  time  ever  ripen." 

"  Sorry  the  day  for  the  Cistercian  when  we  bat- 
ter down  his  gates,"  the  old  Knight  laughed,  yet 
with  a  menacing  ring  in  his  words. 

"  Sorry,  indeed,  for  those  on  the  other  side  of  the 
gates,"  came  a  voice  from  behind  the  arras,  and  the 

King  parted  the  hangings "  Though 

may  I  ask  whose  gates  are  in  to  be  battered  and  for 
what  purpose.?  " 

"  The  gates  of  Kirkstall  Abbey,  under  certain 
conditions,  so  please  Your  Majesty,"  said  De  Bury. 

Richard  elevated  his  eyebrows  ever  so  slightly. 

"  And  the  conditions  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Proof  that  the  Abbot  Aldam  was  concerned  in  a 
recent  murderous  assault  upon  me,  or  that  he  har- 
bors a  certain  flat-nosed  ruffian  who  led  it,"  Sir  John 
replied. 

"  Methinks  you  told  me  of  this  matter  at  the 
time,"  addressing  De  Lacy. 

"  Yes,  my  liege, — at  Leicester.** 

Richard   nodded.      "  Perchance,    Sir   John,   you 


THE  FROWN  OF  FATE  191 

may  solve  the  riddle  some  day,  and  by  way  of  Kirk- 
stall:  though  it  were  not  best  to  work  sacrilege. 
Mother  Church  is  holy  with  us  yet  awhile,  and  must 
needs  be  handled  tenderly.  Nathless,  there  is  no 
hurt  in  keeping  a  close  watch  upon  the  Cistercian." 

"  And  if  it  should  be  that  he  plots  treason  against 
the  King  of  England.''  "  De  Bury  queried. 

Richard  smiled  and  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  In  that  event,"  he  said,  "  there  will  be  a  new 

mitre  to  fit  at  Kirkstall And  mon  Dieu ! 

John,  how  would  you  like  to  wear  it.f*  " 

De  Bury  raised  his  hands  in  horrified  nega- 
tion. "  Now  God  forefend  that  I,  in  my  old  age, 
should  come  to  that.  Better  take  De  Lacy;  he  is 
young  and  blithesome." 

"  By  St.  Paul !  John,  best  not  tell  your  niece  you 
sought  to  turn  De  Lacy  monk !"....  then  went 
on :  "  Two  days  hence  we  fare  Northward,  but  with- 
out Her  Majesty,  who  will  join  us  later  ....  at 
Warwick  likely.    To  you.  Sir  John,  I  give  command 

of  her  escort De  Lacy,  you  will  ride  with 

rae.  But  of  this,  more  anon,"  and  he  moved  away — 
then  stopped  and  said  sternly :  "  Sir  Aymer,  go 
to  the  Queen  and  say  to  her  it  is  my  command 
that,  until  we  depart,  you  walk  with  the  Countess  of 
Clare  on  the  terrace,  or  ride  with  her,  or  do  whatever 
you  two  may  wish."    And  then  he  laughed. 

On  the  following  Thursday,  being  the  thirteenth 
of  July,  Richard  departed  from  Windsor,  and  be- 
hind him  rode  the  most  imposing  and  gorgeous  cav- 


192  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

alcade  that  ever  accompanied  a  King  of  England  in 
a  peaceful  progress  through  his  realm.  There, 
gleamed  the  silver  bend  of  Howard  on  its  ground  of 
gules;  the  red  chevron  of  Stafford  in  its  golden 
field;  the  golden  fess  of  De  la  Pole  amid  the  leop- 
ard faces;  the  three  gold  stagheads  of  Stanley  on 
the  azure  bend;  the  gold  bend  of  Bolton,  Lord  of 
Scrope;  the  gold  and  red  bars  of  Lovell;  the  red 
lion  of  De  Lisle  ramping  on  its  field  of  gold;  the 
sable  bend  engrailled  of  Ratcliff'e;  the  red  fess  and 
triple  torteaux  of  D'Evereux,  Lord  Ferrers  of  Chart- 
ley  ;  the  sable  twin  lions  of  Catesby  ;  the  golden  chev- 
ron of  Hungerf ord ;  the  red  engrailled  cross  and 
sable  water  bougets  of  Bourchier;  and  a  score  of 
others  equally  prominent  and  powerful.  And  with 
every  Baron  were  his  particular  retainers ;  but  vary- 
ing in  number  up  to  the  three  hundred  that  wore 
the  Stafford  Knot  and  ruffled  themselves  as  scarce 
second  even  to  the  veterans  of  the  King  himself. 

Richard  was  mounted  on  "  White  Surray,"  the 
famous  war  horse  that  he  rode  first  in  the  Scottish 
War,  and  was  to  ride  for  the  last  time  in  the  furious 
charge  across  Redmore  Plain  on  that  fatal  August 
morning  when  the  Plantagenet  Line  died,  even  as  it 
had  lived  and  ruled — hauberk  on  back  and  sword  in 
hand.  He  wore  no  armor,  but  in  his  rich  doublet 
and  super-tunic  of  dark  blue  velvet  with  the  baudi- 
kin  stripes  on  the  sleeve,  he  made  as  handsome  and 
gallant  a  figure  as  one  was  wont  to  see,  even  in 
those  days  of  chivalry.    And  no  reign,  since  his  pro- 


THE  FROWN  OF  FATE  198 

tonymic  predecessor's,  gave  promise  of  a  brighter 
future.  The  people  had  accepted  him  without  a 
murmur  of  dissatisfaction,  well  pleased  that  there 
was  to  be  no  occasion  for  the  riot  of  factions  and 
favorites  that  a  child  King  always  engenders.  Eng- 
land had  known  Richard  of  Gloucester,  even  since 
his  boyhood,  as  a  strong  man  among  strong  men — a 
puissant  knight,  an  unbeaten  general,  a  wise  coun- 
sellor, a  brilliant  administrator;  in  all  things  able, 
resourceful,  proficient;  combining,  as  it  were,  in  the 
last  of  the  Angevines,  all  the  keen  statesmanship, 
stern  will,  and  fiery  dash  of  the  great  House  that 
had  ruled  England  for  three  hundred  turbulent 
years. 

Since  the  evening  in  London  when  Buckingham 
had  quitted  the  castle  in  anger  at  the  denial  of  the 
De  Bohun  inheritance,  the  matter  had  not  been  men-' 
tioned  between  them;  nor  did  the  Duke  know  that 
Richard  had  ever  heard  of  his  outburst.  Yet  it  is 
sure  that  from  that  moment  they  had  distrusted 
each  other,  though  they  varied  not  a  jot  their  for- 
mer bearing.  Stafford  remained  at  Court  in  con- 
stant attendance,  and  the  King  continued  to  grant 
him  substantial  favors  and  honors,  and  this  day,  as 
they  rode  side  by  side  toward  Reading  (as  well  as 
until  Buckingham  turned  aside  at  Gloucester  for  his 
demesne  of  Brecknock),  the  most  astute  observer 
could  not  have  detected  in  the  frank  cordiality  of 
their  manner,  the  faintest  trace  of  unfriendliness 
on  the  part  of  either, 
13 


194  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

The  King  had  thrown  aside  his  haughty  reserve, 
and  laughed  and  chatted  gayly  with  those  about  him. 
Toward  the  inhabitants,  who  were  gathered  in  crowds 
along  the  highways,  he  was  very  gracious,  doffing 
bonnet  to  the  curtsies  of  the  women,  and  acknowl- 
edging with  a  gracious  sweep  of  liis  arm  and  hand 
the  respectful  salutations  of  the  men.  And  many 
were  the  enthusiastic  cries  of  "  Grod  save  the  King !  " 
or  "  God  save  Your  Majesty !  "  or  "  God  save  King 
Richard !  "  And  they  came  from  the  solitary  indi- 
vidual as  well  as  from  the  multitude ;  from  the  labor- 
ers in  the  country  as  well  as  from  the  tradesmen  and 
artificers  In  the  hamlets  and  small  towns. 

It  was  near  evening  on  the  twelfth  day  after  leav- 
ing Windsor  that  the  tall  towers  of  Warwick  Castle 
loomed  in  the  distance,  the  giant  "  Csesar  "  rising 
high  above  its  huge  brothers,  the  "  Gateway  "  and 
the  "  Grey,"  and  casting  its  grim  shadow  far  across 
the  country-side.  During  much  of  this  day's  jour- 
ney Richard  had  been  very  quiet,  riding  with  his 
head  sunk  on  his  breast;  and  observing  this,  his  at- 
tendants, save  only  the  particular  Knight  of  the 
Body  on  duty,  gradually  drew  further  behind  so 
that  their  talk  would  not  annoy  him.  At  Intervals  he 
summoned  one  or  more  of  them,  but  after  a  short  time 
his  Interest  waned,  his  abstraction  returned,  and  like 
discreet  courtiers,  they  quickly  dropped  again  to  the 
rear.  As  they  neared  the  fortress  he  roused  himself, 
and  when  the  bombard  on  the  wall  roared  out  the 
royal  salute  he  w'aVed  his  suite  to  him.    At  the  same 


THE  FROWN  OF  FATE  196 

time  Sir  William  Catesby,  who  had  gone  on  in  ad- 
vance from  Worcester  the  previous  day,  came  gallop- 
ing to  meet  them  with  Sir  James  Gascoyne,  the 
Constable  of  the  Castle. 

Richard  supped  alone  that  evening;  and  then  for 
a  while  he  paced  the  floor  in  meditation,  pausing 
finally  at  the  open  window.  Presently  he  struck 
the  bell. 

"Who  waits?"  he  asked. 

*'  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  and  Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton," 
replied  the  page. 

"  De  Lacy,"  he  said.  ..."  Come  hither," 
as  Aymer  entered ;  "  a  crowded  courtyard  always 

entertains  me Sometimes  much  may  be 

learned  from  it;  and  this  is  very  active  now.  Have 
you  ever  seen  one  so  bright  and  busy  ?  " 

"  But  once  before  in  England,  Sire." 

"Where?" 

"  At  Pontef  ract !  the  night  I  first  met  the  Duke 
of  Gloucester." 

"  Aye,  that  may  be  true — it  was  crowded  in  those 

days Pardieu !  it  is  scarce  three  months 

since  then — and  yet  ....  Holy  Paul,  what 
changes !  "  He  half  closed  his  eyes  in  retrospection. 
.  .  .  .  "  It  is  marvellous  what  memory  can  show 
us  in  an  instant,"  he  said,  and  turning  sharply  from 
the  casement  struck  the  bell  again.  .  .  "  Sum- 
mon the  Lord  Steward,"  he  ordered  .  .  .  then, 
to  De  Lacy,  when  the  page  had  gone :  "  And  do 
you  attend  to  what  is  said  and  pay  no  regard  to 


196  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Stanley's   glances  of  uneasiness You 

understand?  " 

De  Lacy  bowed.  *'  I  do,  and  with  profound  satis- 
faction." 

"Why  satisfaction?" 

"  That  Your  Majesty  does  not  trust  him." 

Richard  smiled  griml3\  "  Trust  him  or  his  brother 
William?  Rather  look  for  faith  and  honesty  in  the 
Fiend  himself.  Nathless,  I  may  not  slight  them 
• — yet  awhile.  It  is  watch  and  wait — now.  And 
a  trying  task  truly,  for  they  are  the  shrewdest 
brained  in  the  land." 

"  Save  the  King  of  England,"  Aymer  added. 

**  Save  none,  as  you  some  day  may  see." 

"  God  forbid ! "  De  Lacy  exclaimed  earnestly. 

But  Richard  only  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  Nay, 
what  boots  it  ?  As  great  Coeur-de-Lion  said :  '  From 
the  Devil  we  Plantagenets  all  come,  and  to  the  Devil 
shall  we  all  go.'  " 

"  Then  Your  Majesty  will  never  be  quit  of  the 
Stanleys." 

"  It  would  seem  so,"  with  a  short  laugh ;  "  yet  it 
is  the  live  Stanley  that  worries  me  now." 

"  The  Lord  Stanley  awaits  Your  Majesty's  pleas- 
ure," said  the  page,  stepping  within  the  arras. 

"  Admit  him,"  the  King  ordered,  choosing  a  place 
where  his  own  face  would  be  in  the  shadow  and  the 

other's  in  the  glare "  And  would  it 

were  my  pleasure,  rather  than  my  expediency,  that 
awaited  him,"  he  added  in  an  undertone. 


THE  FROWN  OF  FATE  197 

Stanley  came  forward  in  his  precise  and  cautious 
way  and  bent  knee  to  the  King. 

"  Be  seated,  my  lord,"  said  Richard  cordially.  "  I 
wish  your  advice  upon  a  most  important  matter,  if 
you  can  spare  me  a  little  of  your  time." 

The  Lord  Steward  bowed.  "  My  time  belongs 
to  you.  Sire,"  he  said  suavely ;  "  though  I  fear  my 
poor  advice  can  aid  but  little  your  own  keen  judg- 
ment; yet  it  is  flattering  to  be  asked  it." 

Richard  made  a  gesture  of  dissent.  "  I  did  not 
summon  you  for  flattery,"  he  said ;  "  if  I  did  not 
value  your  discretion  you  would  not  be  here." 

"  Then  I  trust  your  gracious  confidence  may  not 
be  misplaced." 

"  I  am  about  to  test  it Tell  me,  my 

lord,  what  is  the  gravest  state  problem  that  confronts 
me  now?  " 

The  Lord  Steward's  crafty  blue  eyes  shot  a  sharp 
glance  at  the  King,  but  Richard's  black  ones  met  it 
half  way  and  drove  it  back  in  quick  retreat.  Now, 
Stanley  had  one  weakness.  He  was  vain  of  his  as- 
tuteness and  ever  ready  to  display  it ;  and  he  thought 
he  had  discerned  instantly  what  was  in  the  King's 
mind. 

"  Your  Majesty  means  the  two  Princes — Edward's 
sons,"  he  said. 

Richard's  face  showed  blank  surprise. 

"  Nay,  my  lord,  I  mean  nothing  in  particular," 
he  said.  "  I  sought  only  what,  in  your  opinion,  was 
my  chief  embarrassment  and  peril And 


198  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

you  answer:  the  young  Princes By  St. 

Paul !  you  may  be  right — give  me  your  reasons." 

Stanley  saw  his  blunder  and  grew  hot  with  rage. 
He  had  been  outwitted;  and  now,  as  between  him 
and  the  King,  he  must  ever  bear  the  burden  of  hav- 
ing first  suggested  Edward's  sons  as  a  menace  to  the 
State.  The  trap  was  so  easy ;  and  yet  he  had  never 
seen  it  until  it  had  caught  him  tight.  And  between 
his  anger  and  the  strange  influence  which  Richard 
exercised  over  all  men  when  in  his  presence,  he  blun- 
dered again — and  worse  than  before. 

"  When,  since  time  began,"  he  asked,  "  has  a  new 
King  had  peace  or  comfort  while  his  supplanted 
predecessor  lived  to  breed  revolt?  " 
Richard  seized  the  opening  instantly. 
"  Great  St.  George !    You  do  not  urge  the  Princes' 
death  ?  "  he  exclaimed. 

And  Stanley  floundered  deeper. 
"  Holy  Mother,  Sire,  do  not  misunderstand  me," 
he  answered.     "  I  urge  nothing.     But  the  problem, 
as  I  see  it,  is  not  why  to  act,  but  how  to  refrain." 

*'  Yet  Parliament  has  declared  them  bastards  and 
so  never  eligible  to  the  crown,"  Richard  objected. 

But  Stanley  had  gone  too  far  now  to  retreat  and 
he  pressed  on,  knowing  that  he,  himself,  was  incur- 
ring little  or  no  danger  by  the  advice.  Richard 
alone  would  be  responsible  if  he  acted  upon  it,  and 
all  the  open  shame  would  fall  upon  him. 

"  The  Beauforts  were  bastards,"  he  answered, 
"  and  Parliament  specifically  refused  them  the  royal 


THE  FROWN  OF  FATE  199 

dignity ;  yet  who,  to-day,  is  Lancaster's  chief  and 
claimant  for  your  Crown  but  the  heir  of  those  same 
Beauforts?  Pardieu !  Sire,  you  need  not  me  to  tell 
you  that  Parliament  belongs  to  him  whose  writ  sum- 
mons it." 

"  I  would  never  countenance  it,"  the  King  an- 
swered ;  "  and  it  would  surely  destroy  me  if  I  did." 

Stanley  smiled  shrewdly.  "  Did  the  Fourth  Henry 
sit  less  easy  on  the  throne  when  the  deposed  Richard 
died  suddenly  at  Pontefract.''  ....  Did  John 
tyrannize  the  less  because  of  Arthur's  cruel  taking 
off?" 

The  King  arose  and  paced  the  floor,  looking 
straight  before  him.  Stanley  watched  him  furtively, 
trying  vainly  to  read  behind  the  mask  of  that  pas- 
sionless face. 

"  Tell  me,  my  lord,"  said  Richard  presently, 
halting  beside  him  and  putting  a  hand  on  his  shoul- 
der, "  if  you  were  King  of  England,  what  would 
you  do  with  the  Princes  ?  " 

Stanley  evaded  the  direct  question.  "  Your  Maj- 
esty is  King  of  England,  and  I  can  never  be  aught 
but  a  subject — how  can  I  know  what  a  King  would 
do?" 

Richard  nodded.  "  That  is  but  fair,  my  lord," 
he  said.  "  To  decide  as  King  one  must  be  King. 
Yet  I  would  gather  from  our  talk  that  you  deem 
the  ....  removal  ....  most  essential — 
is  it  not  so  ?  " 

Pushed  into  the  corner,  the  shifty  Baron  hesi- 


200  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

tated  and  sought  to  evade  again.  But  he  managed 
badly,  for  now  the  King's  eyes  were  hard  upon  his 
face. 

"Of  a  truth,  Sire,"  he  replied,  "our  talk  this 
night  has  convinced  me  it  would  be  most  expedient 
for  Your  Majesty." 

Richard's  lips  softened  into  the  very  faintest  smile. 

"  Our  talk !  "  he  began. 

Then  suddenly  Stanley  started  up  and  pointed  to 
the  window. 

"  Who  is  yonder  listener  ?  "  he  exclaimed. 

Richard  turned  quickly,  following  the  gesture. 

"  Are  your  eyes  failing?  "  he  asked.  "  It  is  De 
Lacy — he  is  on  duty  to-night." 

"  Did  you  know  he  was  there  ?  " 

"  Most  assuredly,  my  lord." 

Stanley  stared  at  the  King  in  amazed  silence,  and 
despite  his  careful  dissimulation  the  indignation 
blazed  in  his  eyes. 

"  If  Your  Majesty  deem  it  wise  to  discuss  such 
matters  before  a  simple  attendant,"  he  said,  "  it  is 
not  for  me  to  criticise  .  .  .  yet,  methinks,  if  it 
be  not  risky,  it  is  at  least  unusual." 

"  Never  fear.  Lord  Steward ;  I  will  answer  for  my 
Body-Knight,"  Richard  responded. 

During  the  colloquy,  De  Lacy  had  been  leaning 
on  the  window  edge,  watching  idly  the  courtyard  be- 
low, but  paying  strict  attention  to  all  that  was  said 
behind  him.  Now  he  came  forward  and  bent  knee 
to  Richard. 


THE  FROWN  OF  FATE  201 

"  My  King's  confidence,"  he  said,  "  makes  con- 
temptible the  insinuations  of  the  fickle  Stanley." 

"  How  now,  Sir "  Stanley  began  angrily ;  but 

Richard  silenced  him  with  an  imperious  gesture. 

"  Hold,  my  Lord  Steward,"  he  said  sternly,  "  no 
words  betwixt  you  two.  And  hark  you  both,  no 
renewal  of  this  hereafter.  You  are  each  acquit- 
tanced  of  the  other  now." 

De  Lacy  drew  himself  up  stiffly  and  saluted. 

"  The  King  commands,"  he  said. 

"  And  you,  my  lord  ?  "  asked  Richard,  eyeing 
Stanley. 

"  Pardieu !  Sire,  I  have  no  quarrel  with  Sir  Ay- 
mer,"  he  answered,  and  affably  extended  his  hand. 

Just  then  there  came  loud  voices  from  the  outer 
room,  followed  immediately  by  the  entrance  of  the 
page. 

"  May  it  please  Your  Majesty,"  the  boy  said,  as 
the  King's  curt  nod  gave  him  leave  to  speak,  "  Sir 
Robert  Brackenbury  craves  instant  audience  on  busi- 
ness of  state." 

"  Admit  him !  " 

The  next  moment  the  old  Knight  strode  into  the 
room,  spurs  janghng  and  boots  and  doublet  soiled 
by  travel. 

"  Welcome,  Robert,"  said  Richard,  giving  him  his 
hand.     "  What  brings  you  in  such  haste.?  " 

"  Matters  which  are  for  your  ears  alone.  Sire," 
said  the  Constable  of  the  Tower,  with  the  abrupt- 
ness of  a  favored  counsellor. 


802  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

The  King  walked  to  a  distant  window. 

"  Might  the  two-faced  Lord  Steward  hear  us?  " 
Brackenbury  asked. 

"  No  danger,  speak — what  is  amiss  in  London  ?  " 

"  Enough  and  to  spare.  Edward's  sons  are 
dead." 

Even  Richard's  wonderful  self-control  was  un- 
equal to  such  news,  and  he  started  back. 

"  Holy  Paul !  "  he  exclaimed,  under  his  breath ; 
then  stood  with  bent  head "  How  hap- 
pened it  ?  " 

"  No  one  knows,  certainly.  As  you  expressly 
ordered,  either  the  lieutenant  or  myself  reg- 
ularly locked  their  aparti^ents  at  sundown  and 
opened  them  at  dawn.  Two  nights  since  I,  my- 
self, turned  key  upon  them.  In  the  morning  I  found 
them  dead — in  each  breast  a  grievous  wound — Ed- 
ward's bloody  dagger  on  the  floor." 

"  And  your  view  of  it.'*  " 

"  That  Edward  killed  Richard  and  himself.  He 
had  lately  been  oppressed  with  heavy  melancholy." 

The  King  shook  his  head.  "  Yes,  that  is  doubt- 
less the  solution,  yet  scant  credence  will  be  given  it. 

To  the  Kingdom  it  will  be  murder  foul 

Yet,  pardieu !  who  else  know  it.''  " 

"  None  but  my  lieutenant." 

"  And  his  discretion  ?  " 

"  Beyond  suspicion.  He  has  forgotten  it  long 
since." 

Richard  called  De  Lacy  to  him.     "  Let  Suffolk, 


THE  FROWN  OF  FATE  203 

Lovel,  Ratcliffe,  D'Evereux  and  Catesby  be  sum- 
moned instantly,"  he  ordered. 

"  My  friends,"  said  he,  when  the  last  of 
them  had  come,  "  I  have  sore  need  of  your  wisdom 
and  counsel.  Hark  to  the  mournful  tidings  Sir 
Robert  Brackenbury  brings." 

Bluntly  and  simply  the  old  Knight  told  the  story. 
When  he  ended  there  was  deep  concern  on  every  face 
and  all  eyes  turned  toward  the  King. 

"  You  perceive,  my  lords,  the  gravity  of  the 
situation,"  said  Richard.     "  What  shall  be  done  ?  " 

None  answered. 

"  Come,  sirs ;  it  is  here  and  we  must  face  it.  .  . 
Wliat  say  you,  Stanley  ?  " 

The  Lord  Steward  swept  the  circle  with  a  keen 
glance. 

"  Your  Majesty  has  put  a  direful  question  and 
given  us  scant  time  for  thought,"  he  replied.  "  Yet 
but  two  courses  seem  possible :  either  to  proclaim  the 
Princes  dead  by  natural  causes  and  give  them  pub- 
lic burial;  or  to  conceal  the  death,  and  by  letting 
the  world  fancy  them  life  prisoners  so  forget  them. 
Each  has  its  advantage;  but  on  the  whole,  the  lat- 
ter may  be  better.  Nathless,  this  much  is  self- 
evident — ^the  true  tale  dare  not  be  told.  Daggers, 
blood,  and  death  are  inexplicable  when  Kings'  sons 
are  the  victims,  save  on  one  hypothesis." 

One  after  another  endorsed  these  words,  untU 
finally  it  came  back  to  the  King  for  decision. 

For  a  long  while  he  sat  silent,  staring  into  va- 
tancy.    Through  the  open  windows  floated  the  noises 


204.  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

of  the  courtyard — the  neigh  of  a  horse,  the  call  of  a 
soldier,  the  rattle  of  steel  on  stone;  from  the  ante- 
room came  the  hum  of  voices,  the  tramp  of  a  foot, 
the  echo  of  a  laugh.  But  within,  no  one  spoke  nor 
even  stirred.  Not  a  man  there  but  understood  the 
fatef ulness  of  the  moment  and  the  tremendous  con- 
sequences of  the  decision,  which,  once  made,  might 
never  be  amended.    At  length  he  spoke. 

"  It  is  an  ill-fated  event  and  leaves  a  dismal  pros- 
pect," he  said  very  quietly.  "  Sooner  or  later  my 
nephews'  death  will  be  laid  on  me.  To  proclaim 
them  dead  would  be  to  declare  me  guilty  now. 
To  conceal  their  death  will  be  simply  to  postpone 
that  guilt  a  time — a  very  little  time,  it  may  be. 
Curiosity  will  arise  over  their  prolonged  disappear- 
ance       then   will   come    suspicion 

.  .  .  .  and  at  length  suspicion  will  become  ac- 
cepted fact So,  my  lords,  their  blood  will 

be  put  on  me — either  now  or  in  the  future.  That  is 
my  only  choice — now  or  the  future —  .... 
and  I  choose  the  future.  We  will  not  announce  the 
death;  and  the  bodies  shall  be  buried  privately  and 
in  an  unknown  spot.  To  you,  Sir  Robert  Bracken- 
bury,  I  commit  the  task,  trusting  you  fully. 

.  And,  my  lords,  from  this  moment  hence- 
forth, let  this  council  and  its  sad  subject  be  for- 
gotten utterly.  .  .  .  Only  I  ask  that  when,  in 
after  days,  you  hear  Richard  Plantagenet  accused 
of  this  deed,  you  will  defend  him  or  his  memory. 
,     .     ,     ,     And  now,  good  night." 


THE  FROWN  OF  FATE  205 

One  by  one  they  came  forward,  bent  knee  and 
kissed  his  hand;  then  quietly  withdrew,  leaving  him 
and  De  Lacy  alone  together. 

"  And  yet,  forsooth,"  he  exclaimed,  "  Stanley  ad- 
vised that  the  Princes  be  removed !  By  St.  Paul !  if 
he  sought  to  persuade  me  to  my  injury,  the  Fates 
have  subserved  his  wishes  well.  Him  I  can  baffle, 
but  under  their  frown  the  strongest  monarch  fails." 


XVI 

The  Flat-Nose  Reappears 

It  was  September,  and  Their  Majesties  had  come 
to  Pontefract  with  the  immediate  Household  for  a 
brief  rest  after  the  labors  and  fatigues  of  the  sum- 
mer, and  which  had  culminated  in  the  festivities  and 
ceremonies  at  York.  In  the  room  where  Sir  Aymer 
de  Lacy  first  saw  Richard  of  Gloucester,  the  King 
and  Queen  were  alone  together.  Evening  had  fallen, 
but  the  brilliancy  of  a  full  moon  in  a  cloudless  sky 
had  prolonged  the  day.  Through  the  open  win- 
dows came  the  freshness  of  the  woods  and  hills,  and 
the  candles  flickered  and  flamed  in  coquetry  with 
the  gentle  breeze. 

"  Come,  Anne,  let  us  walk.  It  is  too  fine  an  even- 
ing to  spend  indoors,"  Richard  said,  laying  aside 
the  papers  he  had  been  examining. 

She  answered  with  the  sweet  smile  that  was  al- 
ways on  her  lips  for  him,  and  arm  in  arm  they  passed 
out  upon  the  ramparts. 

The  main  body  of  the  soldiery  were  quartered  in 
the  town  below  the  hill,  and  the  castle  was  very 
quiet,  save  only  for  the  tramp  of  the  guards  on  the 
wall,  the  rattle  of  their  weapons,  and  an  occasional 
burst  of  laughter  from  the  great  hall.  The  peace 
and  calm  appealed  to  the  Queen,  and  she  sighed. 

m 


THE  FLAT-NOSE  REAPPEARS       207 

"  How  so,  sweetheart,"  said  Richard ;  "  what 
troubles  you  ?  " 

"  I  was  thinking  how  much  preferable  Pontefract 
is  to  London." 

The  King  laughed.  "  I  believe  you  would  rather 
be  Duchess  than  Queen." 

"  Aye,  Richard,  much  rather,  much  rather,"  she 
replied  instantly. 

He  put  his  hand  on  her  fair  hair  and  stroked  it 
softly.  "  Nay,  dear,  the  wearisome  work  is  over 
now,  I  trust.  Henceforth  it  will  be  pleasanter 
.  .  .  .  Pardieu!  was  there  ever  another  woman, 
I  wonder,  who  needed  encouragement  to  wear  a 
crown .'' " 

"  A  Neville  once  refused  one,"  she  replied. 

"  True,  indeed ;  and  gave  it  back  to  the  miserable 

Henry You  resemble  your  great  father 

in  many  ways — and  may  our  own  dear  son  be  like 
you  both." 

"  You  are  very  good  to  me,  Richard,"  she  said, 
taking  his  hand. 

"  But  much  short  of  what  you  deserve,  dear 
one." 

Suddenly  a  bugle  rang  loudly  from  before  the 
barbican,  followed  in  a  moment  by  the  rattle  of  the 
drawbridge  and  the  clatter  of  hoofs  on  the  planks. 

"  It  is  Beatrix  and  Sir  John  returning  from 
their  ride,"  the  Queen  said. 

"  It  was  not  De  Bury's  call,"  he  answered. 

"  Why,  it  is  Sir  Aytner  de  Lacy !  "  she  exclaimed. 


208  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

as  a  pair  of  horsemen  cantered  across  the  inner 
bailey. 

Richard  nodded.  "  And  a  day  earlier  than  I  an- 
ticipated ....  but  he  has  a  good  excuse." 

"  And  a  bit  of  disappointment  also,  that  Beatrix 
is  not  here  to  greet  him." 

"  He  can  spare  her  until  he  has  supped,  I  fancy." 

**  She  would  not  be  pleased  to  think  so." 

"  A  woman  wants  a  man  to  think  of  naught  but 
her,"  he  smiled. 

"  Yes,  she  does — and  even  though  she  know  it  to 
be  futile    ....    it  is  foolish,  doubtless." 

"  It  is  more  than  foolish ;  it  is  unfortunate.  It 
annoys  the  man  and  grieves  the  woman." 

"  Nay,  Richard,  you  look  at  it  with  a  man's 
view  only." 

"  And  you,  my  dear?  " 

"  I? — with  the  proper  view,  of  course." 

The  King  laughed  aloud;  and  as  De  Lacy,  who 
had  just  dismounted  before  the  keep,  recognized 
the  voice  and  glanced  up,  Richard  leaned  over  the 
parapet  and  beckoned  to  him. 

"  We  are  glad  to  see  you,"  he  said,  as  the  Knight 
presently  bent  knee  and  kissed  the  Queen's  hand. 

"  Yes,  Sir  Aymer,  you  are  always  welcome,"  she 
added. 

"  Your  Majesties  overwhelm  me." 

"  Well,  if  our  greeting  overwhelm  you,"  the 
King  remarked,  "  the  Countess  of  Clare's  will  hkely 
end  your  life." 


THE  FLAT-NOSE  REAPPEARS       209 

"  I  am  very  anxious  to  risk  it,  Sire,"  De  Lacy 
answered  quickly. 

"  Beatrix  has  left  the  castle,"  said  Richard. 

"  Gone !  "  Aymer  exclaimed. 

"  Oh    ....    only  for  a  ride." 

"Aride— at  night?" 

"  Surely — why  not — on  a  fine  night  and  with  a 
gallant  escort.?  " 

"  Nay,  Richard,"  the  Queen  broke  in,  "  do  not 
distress  him.  Sir  Aymer,  Beatrix  is  with  her  uncle, 
and  as  they  have  been  absent  since  before  vespers, 
they  must  soon  return." 

De  Lacy's  face  cleared  so  quickly  that  Richard 
smiled. 

"  A  bad  case,  truly,"  he  commented,  putting  his 
arm  about  the  Queen.  "  Has  the  lady  the  disease 
so  deep?  " 

"  I  would  not  tell  you  even  if  I  knew,"  she  an- 
swered. 

"  Nay,  I  only  jested But  seriously,  De 

Lacy,  why  should  the  wedding  be  delayed  .... 
why  not  have  the  ceremony  here  at  Pontefract  be- 
fore we  go  Southward?  " 

"  That  it  has  not  already  taken  place  is  no  fault 
of  mine " 

"  It  is,  sir ;  you  should  have  won  the  Countess 
to  consent,"  the  King  interrupted. 

"  Her  wish  runs  with  mine." 

"  Then  what  ails  the  matter?     ,     ,     ,     .     Not 
De  Bury  surely  ?  " 
H 


aiO  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Sir  John  is  as  willing  as  we.  It  is  the  behest  of 
the  dead  Earl  that  bars." 

"Beatrix's  father?" 

"  Yes ;  she  promised  him  she  would  not  wed  before 
her  twenty-fifth  birthday." 

"  Peste !  A  senseless  thing  to  exact ;  she  was  little 
more  than  child.  As  King  I  can  absolve  her  from  it." 

"  I  fear  that  would  not  help  the  matter,  Sire ;  Bea- 
trix regards  it  as  sacred — it  was  given  at  the  Earl's 
deathbed." 

Richard  made  a  gesture  of  annoyance.  "  Does 
no  consideration  lift  the  obligation  from  her.''  "  he 
demanded. 

"  Naught,  as  she  views  it  now,  but  a  question  of 
life,  honor,  or  imperative  necessity." 

"  Now  may  the  Devil  fly  away  with  such  foolish- 
ness! Wherefore  shall  the  dead  rule  the  living? 
....    How  old  is  the  Countess  ?  " 

"  She  was  four  and  twenty  last  month." 

"  Great  St.  George !  You  have  a  wait,  indeed ; 
and  ample  time  to  pray  for  the  imperative  neces- 
sity. Meanwhile,  best  continue  to  keep  the  betrothal 
secret.  It  will  likely  save  you  both  some  embarrass- 
ment and  considerable  gossip  at  the  long  delay." 

Just  then  another  bugle  blared  from  the  barbican. 

"  Sir  John  and  Beatrix ! "  the  Queen  exclaimed. 

Richard  shook  his  head. 

"  It  was  Ratcliffe's  call,"  he  said. 

A  moment  later  the  Master  of  Horse  came  at  full 
gallop  across  the  courtyard. 


THE  FLAT-NOSE  REAPPEARS       211 

Jumping  from  saddle  and  letting  his  horse  run 
loose  to  be  caught  by  the  grooms,  he  sprang  up  the 
steps.  In  the  anteroom  the  page  met  him  with  the 
information  that  Their  Majesties  were  on  the  wall 
and  were  not  to  be  disturbed.  But  at  the  first  word, 
Ratcliffe  dashed  into  the  King's  chamber  and  thence 
to  the  ramparts.  Richard  saw  him  coming  and 
went  quickly  to  meet  him. 

"  What  is  it  .'*  "  he  demanded. 

"  Where  is  De  Bury?  "  Ratcliffe  asked. 

"  Gone  for  a  ride  with  the  Countess." 

"  I  feared  it.  I  found  his  horse  at  the  foot  of 
the  hill,  trotting  toward  the  castle  from  the  West. 
There  is  blood  on  the  saddle  cloth,  and  the  rein  is 
cut  in  twain  at  the  bit." 

"  Foul  work !  "  the  King  exclaimed.  "  Send  an 
order  to  the  camp  for  a  hundred  men  to  scour  the 
country  toward  the  Aire,  and  let  another  fifty  muster 
before  the  barbican  at  daybreak ;  then  come  to  me  " 
.  .  .  .  and  turning,  he  sauntered  back  to  the 
Queen.  "  Come,  my  dear,  let  us  go  in,"  he  said, 
putting  his  arm  through  hers,  "  I  must  take  up 
some  matters  that  Ratchff^e  has  brought.  And  do 
you  remain,  De  Lacy;  perchance  you  can  aid  me." 

"Will  you  be  occupied  very  late.?"  she  asked, 
as  he  held  back  the  arras. 

"  Only  a  short  time,  my  dear.  I  will  come  to  you 
presently,"  and  himself  closed  the  door  behind  her. 

"  Are  you  very  weary  ?  "  he  asked  De  Lacy. 

"  Fit  for  any  service  Your  Majesty  may  wish." 


212  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  It  will  be  your  own  service." 

"  Mine !    Mine !    .    .    .    .  You  cannot  mean " 

taking  a  step  forward. 

"  Steady,  man,  steady !  I  mean  only  that  Sir 
John's  riderless  horse  has  just  been  found  near  the 
castle,  with  severed  rein  and  bloody  saddle." 

De  Lacy  passed  his  hand  across  his  forehead. 

"  And  Beatrix  ?  "  he  asked  huskily. 

The  King  shook  his  head. 

Again  Aymer  passed  his  hand  across  his  eyes ;  his 
brain  was  working  very  slowly  now. 

"You  have  given  orders.''"  he  asked. 

"  One  hundred  men-at-arms  are  seeking  for  a  cl-ue. 
Fifty  others  will  await  you  at  the  barbican  at  day- 
break." 

"  Meanwhile  I,  too,  will  seek,"  and  he  sprang 
toward  the  door — and  into  Ratcliffe's  arms. 

"  Stay,  Sir  Aymer,"  said  the  King ;  "  it  would  do 
no  good  for  you  to  search  at  night — you  may  go 
far  astray.     All  that  can  be  done  till  daybreak  the 

scouts  will  do You  gave  the  orders,  Rat- 

clifFe?" 

"  I  did,  and  venture  to  amplify  them  by  sending 
twenty  men  along  the  North  road  as  far  as  the  Aire 
for  any  trace  of  Sir  John  or  of  the  fight — for,  of 
course,  there  was  a  fight." 

"  And  a  passing  hard  one  ere  De  Bury  was  un- 
horsed," said  Richard. 

"  The  remaining  eighty,"  Ratcliffe  continued,  "  I 
divided  into  bands  of  ten  and  five,  bidding  them  fol- 


THE  FLAT-NOSE  REAPPEARS       213 

low  every  cross-road  or  bridle-path,  and  inquire  for 
information  from  every  traveler  and  at  every  habita- 
tion. The  instant  aught  is  discovered  you  will  be 
advised." 

The  King  turned  to  De  Lacy.  "  You  rescued  Sir 
John  when  he  was  attacked  last  April  near  his 
own  castle ;  might  this  be  the  same  band  ?  " 

Aymer  shook  his  head.  "  We  killed  all  of  them 
but  one." 

"  True,  I  remember  now The  flat- 
nosed  one  alone  escaped Did  De  Bury 

ever  speak  to  you  of  enemies  in  these  parts  ?  " 

"  Never  directly ;  though,  as  you  know,  he  seemed 
to  dislike  the  Abbot  of  Kirkstall  and  suspected  him 
of  being,  at  least,  party  to  the  other  attack." 

"  Well,  we  must  wait  for  even  a  plausible  solu- 
tion until  we  have  a  few  facts.  Yet  I  would  wager 
much  it  is  an  abduction — and  God  grant  it  be  so. 
.  .  .  .  Of  course,  it  may  be  the  villains  did  not 
molest  the  Countess.  In  that  case,  find  Sir  John 
and  you  find  her,  too.'* 

"  The  chance  is  slight,"  De  Lacy  said  quickly, 
"  yet  I  shall  ride  rapidly  back  for  a  few  miles  and, 
perchance,  it  may  be  so.  If  I  be  not  here  by  day- 
break. Sire,  I  will  join  the  men  en  route." 

"  It  will  be  a  relief  for  you  to  be  on  the  move," 
said  Richard  kindly ;  "  but  return  here  for  your 
escort.  We  may  have  clues  then ;  and  if  the  Count- 
ess has  been  abducted,  she  is  quite  as  likely  to  be 
carried  South  as  North." 


214  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  I  shall  be  here  at  daybreak,"  Aymer  answered. 

He  saddled  Selim  with  his  own  hand,  and  with 
Dauvrey  beside  him  hurried  away.  They  rode 
in  silence  with  eyes  alert,  scanning  sharply  the 
ground  on  both  sides  of  the  road  that  lay  like  a 
silver  stream  before  them.  A  mile  from  the  castle  a 
soldier  rode  out  from  the  shadow  and  reined  across 
the  track,  his  casquetel  and  drawn  sword  glistening 
in  the  moonlight. 

"  Hold !  "  he  ordered. 

"  Yorkshire !  "  said  De  Lacy "  Any 

news  ? "  he  demanded,  as  they  swept  by. 

"  None,  my  lord." 

At  the  first  cross-road  two  horsemen  barred  the 
way.  Aymer  paused  to  question  them,  but  learning 
nothing,  the  pace  was  resumed.  Another  mile  was 
passed,  and  they  had  tarried  a  moment  to  breathe 
and  water  the  horses  at  a  rivulet  that  gurgled 
across  the  road,  when  Sehm  suddenly  threw  up  his 
head. 

"  Some  one  comes !  "  said  Dc  Lacy  .  .  .  .  **  it 
is  news  ....  he  rides  furiously ;  he  must  be 
stopped." 

They  drew  out  into  the  middle  of  the  track  and 
waited.  Presently  a  running  horse  shot  into  view 
ahead,  and  the  rider,  seeing  the  two  in  front,  shouted 
the  royal  messenger's  call :  "  Way !  In  the  King's 
name !    Way ! " 

"  Stay,  Allen,"  Giles  Dauvrey  cried,  recognizing 
him.    "What  word?" 


THE  FLAT-NOSE  REAPPEARS       215 

"  Sir  John  has  been  found,"  the  man  answered, 
drawing  up  short. 

"  Dead  ?  "  Aymer  demanded. 

"  No,  my  lord,  not  yet." 

"  And  the  Countess  of  Clare.?  " 

"  Gone,  my  lord ;  no  trace." 

"  God  in  Heaven !    .    .    .    .    Where  is  Sir  John  ?  " 

"  Half  a  league  further  on." 

"  Tell  the  King  I  have  gone  thither,"  Aymer 
called  over  his  shoulder  as  he  raced  away. 

In  a  patch  of  moonlight,  fifty  feet  or  so  in  from 
the  road,  lay  Sir  John  de  Bury,  his  eyes  closed,  his 
face  upturned,  motionless — to  all  appearances  a 
corpse.  De  Lacy  sprang  down  and  knelt  beside 
him. 

"  He  is  not  dead,  my  lord,"  said  a  soldier. 

Aymer  laid  back  the  doublet  and  shirt,  wet  and 
heavy  with  blood  that  had  come  from  a  deep  wound 
in  the  right  breast,  and  was  still  oozing  slowly. 
The  heart  was  beating,  but  very  faintly,  and  forc- 
ing the  set  jaws  apart  with  his  dagger,  he  poured 
a  measure  of  cordial  down   Sir  John's  throat. 

"  May  it  please  you,  sir,"  said  one  of  the  men, 
"  we  have  arranged  a  litter  of  boughs,  and  if  you 
think  it  good  we  will  bear  him  back  to  the  castle." 

"  It  can  do  him  no  harm,"  De  Lacy  answered. 
.     .     .     .     How  say  you,  Giles?" 

"  With  even  step  it  will  not  hurt  him,"  the  squire 
replied. 

Lifting  the  old  Knight  carefully  they  placed  him 


216  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

on  the  litter  and  Aymer  wrapped  his  own  cloak 
around  him,  then  nodded  to  the  soldiers  to  proceed. 

"  Go  slowly,"  he  ordered,  "  a  jolt  may  end  his 
life.  Watch  his  heart  closely;  if  it  grow  weaker, 
use  the  cordial,"  and  he  handed  them  the  flask. 

"  The  fight  was  not  at  this  place,"  said  Dauvrey 
after  a  moment's  examination  of  the  ground ;  "  there 
are  no  mingling  hoof  marks.  De  Bury  likely  fell 
from  the  saddle  here  and  the  horse  kept  on  to  the 
castle;  his  tracks  point  thither." 

**  Let  us  follow  the  back  track,"  De  Lacy  ex- 
claimed. 

For  a  score  of  paces  it  led  them,  slowly  and  labo- 
riously, into  the  dark  forest,  and  then  vanished,  and 
though  they  searched  in  all  directions,  no  further 
trace  was  found.  It  was  a  fruitless  quest;  and  at 
length  the  squire  persuaded  his  master  to  aban- 
don it  and  await  the  coming  of  the  dawn. 

Reluctantly  De  Lacy  remounted  and  they  rode 
slowly  back  to  Pontefract.  The  soldiers  bearing  Sir 
John  de  Bury  had  reached  there  some  time  before, 
and  he  lay  on  the  couch  in  his  own  room.  There  was 
no  material  change  in  his  condition,  though  under 
the  candle-light  there  was  less  of  the  ghastly  pallor 
of  death  in  the  face;  and  about  the  ears  were  evi- 
dences that  the  blood  was  beginning  to  circulate 
more  strongly.  The  King's  own  physician,  Antonio 
Carcea — an  Italian — sat  beside  him  with  his  hand 
on  the  pulse  and,  ever  and  anon,  bent  to  listen  to 
the  respiration. 


THE  FLAT-NOSE  REAPPEARS       217 

At  De  Lacy's  entrance  he  glanced  up  with  a 
frown  which  faded  when  he  saw  who  it  was. 

**  He  will  live,  Signer,"  he  said  in  Italian.  "  He 
has  not  yet  come  to  consciousness,  but  it  is  only  a 
matter  of  a  little  while." 

"  Will  he  speak  by  daybreak?  "  De  Lacy  asked. 

"  Most  likely,  Signor." 

"  Summon  me  on  the  instant,  and  may  the  Good 
God  aid  you." 

Going  to  his  quarters  and  waving  Dauvrey  aside 
when  he  would  have  relieved  him  of  his  doublet, 
Aymer  threw  himself  upon  the  bed.  He  had  ridden 
far  that  day,  and  with  the  coming  of  the  sun  would 
begin  what  promised  to  be  a  labor  long  and  arduous. 
He  could  not  sleep — and  his  closed  eyes  but  made  the 
fancies  of  his  brain  more  active  and  the  visions  of 
his  love,  abducted  and  in  hideous  peril,  more  real 
and  agonizing.  Yet  to  serve  her  he  must  needs 
be  strong  and  so  he  tried  to  compose  himself  and 
rest  his  body.  There  was  scanty  time  until  morn- 
ing ;  but  an  hour  of  quiet  now  might  breed  a  day  of 
vigor  in  the  future. 

Presently  there  came  a  sharp  knock  and  Ratcliffe 
entered. 

"  Lie  still,"  he  said,  as  De  Lacy  would  have  risen. 
"  I  know  you  found  no  trace  of  the  Countess  else 
you  would  not  be  here.  Yet,  perchance.  Sir  John 
may  speak  or  some  of  the  scouts  return  with  a  clue. 
If  not,  the  sunlight,  doubtless,  will  reveal  what 
the  night  has  hidden.    The  King  has  retired,  but  he 


218  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

bade  me  say  to  you  not  to  depart  without  word  with 
him.  Meanwhile  if  any  of  the  scouts  come  in  they 
are  to  report  to  you." 

Slowly  the  minutes  dragged  themselves  out.  The 
shadows  lengthened  more  and  more  as  the  moon  went 
to  its  rest  behind  the  distant  Craven  hills.  Then  of 
a  sudden,  light  and  shadow  mingled  and  all  was 
dark.  Presently  a  cock  crowed;  and  the  sound 
seemed  loud  as  a  roar  of  a  bombard.  Again  the 
cock  crowed,  and  from  the  retainers'  houses  another 
and  another  answered,  until  the  shrill  cry  ran  along 
the  outer  bailey  and  across  the  wall  and  on  down  the 
hill  to  the  village,  growing  fainter  and  fainter 
until,  at  the  last,  it  was  like  a  far  distant  echo, 
more  memory  than  reality. 

De  Lacy  turned  his  head  toward  the  window,  hop- 
ing for  some  sign  of  day,  but  the  East  was  black. 
With  an  impatient  sigh  he  lay  back.  Was  ever  man 
so  sorely  tried — so  cruelly  used — so  choked  by  hor- 
rors of  the  probable!  Then  came  a  troubled  slum- 
ber— a  tossing  and  a  waking — ^that  was  ended  by 
a  quick  step  in  the  corridor,  and  with  a  bound  he 
reached  the  door  and  flung  it  open. 

"  Sir  John "  the  page  began,  but   got  no 

farther — ^De  Lacy  was  gone. 

Sir  John  de  Bury  lay  as  when  Aymer  left  him, 
but  the  color  was  coming  back  to  his  face  and  his 
eyes  were  open,  and  he  smiled  very  faintly  in  greet- 
ing. 

"  He  may  speak  ?  "  De  Lacy  asked. 


THE  FLAT-NOSE  REAPPEARS       219 

"  A  few  words,  Slgnor,"  the  Italian  answered. 

Just  then  the  King  entered  hastily,  a  long  gown 
about  him.  Sir  John  tried  to  raise  his  hand  in  salute, 
but  Richard  quickly  caught  the  weak  fingers. 

"  Nay,  nay,  my  friend,"  he  said ;  "  another  time 
for  that."  ....  Then  to  Carcea :  "  Has  he 
spoken  ?  " 

"  Not  yet,  Sire;  and  if  it  please  Your  Majesty,  it 
would  be  well  to  ask  the  questions  so  that  they  can  be 
answered  by  a  motion  of  the  head.  The  patient's 
strength  will  permit  few  words." 

"  Do  you  understand,  John  ?  "   Richard  asked. 

De  Bury  smiled  faintly  and  indicated  that  he  did. 

"  Were  you  attacked  ?  "  the  King  went  on. 

*'  Yes,"  said  the  nod. 

*'  By  highwaymen  ?  " 

A  pause,  and  then — "  No." 

"  By  men  hired  for  the  purpose?  " 

"  Yes,"  readily. 

"  Do  you  know  by  whom  ?  " 

Another  pause ;  then — ^"  No." 

"  You  have  suspicion.?  " 

"  Yes,"  quickly.  . 

"  More  of  that  in  a  moment ;  first,  tell  me,  did 
they  carry  off  the  Countess  ?  " 

*'  Yes,"  and  the  old  eyes  glowed  fiercely. 

**  Was  she  hurt  in  the  struggle.''  " 

"  No." 

**  Were  you  attacked  in  the  main  road?  " 

«  No." 


220  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"On  a  by-track?" 

"  Yes." 

"  North  of  the  main  road?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  Near  the  main  road?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  Two  leagues  from  here  ?  " 

*'  Yes,"  after  a  slight  pause. 

"  More  than  two?  " 

"  No." 

"Oh!  the  path  to  the  Hermit's  Cen?" 

"  Yes,"  quickly. 

"  How  long  after  you  left  Pontefract — two 
hours  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  readily. 

"  Can  you  show  the  number  of  your  assailants  oh 
your  fingers  ?  " 

The  right  hand  opened  and  closed  twice. 

"  Ten,  mean  you  ?  "  the  King  exclaimed. 

"  Yes,"  instantly. 

"  Pardieu !  did  you  recognize  any  of  them?  " 

"  One,"  said  the  raised  finger. 

"  Can  you  whisper  his  name?  "  and  the  King  bent 
low  over  the  bed. 

Sir  John's  lips  twitched.  He  labored  hard  to 
speak,  but  the  strength  was  wanting ;  no  sound  came ; 
the  tongue  refused  to  move.  A  spasm  of  disappoint- 
ment passed  over  his  face.  Then  suddenly  he  fixed 
his  eyes  meaningly  upon  De  Lacy,  and  Richard 
understood. 


THE  FLAT-NOSE  REAPPEARS       221 

'*  Does  Sir  Aymer  know  this  fellow?  "  he  asked. 

"  Yes,"  was  the  instant  answer. 

"  Has  he  been  about  the  Court  ?  " 

"  No." 

"  St.  Denis ! "  exclaimed  De  Lacy,  "  was  it 
Flat-Nose?  " 

"  Yes  !    Yes !  "  eagerly. 

"  One  more  question,"  said  the  King :  "  Can  you 
suggest  whither  they  carried  the  Countess?  " 

Again  the  eyes  turned  to  De  Lacy. 

"  Kirkstall  Abbey  ?  "  Aymer  asked. 

"  Yes,"  but  the  hesitating  nod  signified  it  was 
only  a  suspicion. 

"  We  will  leave  you  now,  old  friend,"  said  Rich- 
ard. *'  Be  not  concerned.  Ample  precautions  were 
taken  hours  ago  to  trace  the  Countess ;  and  De  Lacy 
with  fifty  horsemen  rides  in  pursuit  at  daybreak — 
as  soon  as  trail  can  be  followed.  The  quest  ends  only 
when  she  is  found  and  saved.  Come,  Sir  Aymer, 
morning  dawns  and  a  word  with  you  before  you 
mount.  Hark !  your  troopers  muster  now  within  the 
camp." 


XVII 
In  Puksuit 

"  It  is  meagre  information,  yet  enough  to  make  a 
start  on,"  the  King  said  when  they  had  left  the 
room.  "  Perchance  ere  you  reach  the  spot,  you  will 
gather  more  from  the  scouts  who  should  be  coming 
in.  Yet  it  is  most  improbable  that  the  villains  took 
the  main  roads  with  the  Countess.  They  will  travel 
by  secluded  paths  and  through  the  forests;  and  if 
their  destination  be  distant,  they  will  not  trust  the 
highways  inside  a  day's  ride  of  Pontef ract.  There- 
fore, go  slowly  until  the  trail  be  plain.  Then — 
well,  I  need  not  tell  you  what  to  do  then." 

"  By  St.  Denis,  no,  Sire !  My  sword  arm  knows 
how  to  slay." 

**  Would  that  I  could  go  with  you,"  Richard  said, 
his  ardor  for  adventure  and  danger  working  strong. 
"  Yet  the  King  may  not,  and  I  do  not  care  to  assume 
disguise  just  now.  Some  day  ....  Peste! 
Some  day  must  care  for  itself  and  wait."  .... 
He  drew  a  ring  from  his  finger.  "  Here,  De  Lacy," 
he  said,  "  this  bit  of  gold,  bearing  my  arms  and  the 
Boar,  may  prove  of  use.  Show  it,  and  your  least 
word  will  be  obeyed — send  it  to  me,  and,  if  need  be, 
an  army  brings  it  back.     Guard  it  well;  there  are 

but  four  others  in  the  Kingdom Nay — 

222 


IN  PURSUIT  223 

no  thanks ;  Richard  trusts  few — them  he  trusts  to  the 
end.  Use  the  ring  without  stint  when  necessary ;  but 
hark  you,  beware  the  friends  of  Buckingham.  There 
is  mischief  afoot  and,  maybe,  treason  brewing  at 
Brecknock." 

"  And  Your  Majesty  does  naught  to  stem  it.?  " 
De  Lacy  exclaimed. 

A  cold  smile  crossed  the  King's  face. 

"  Not  yet,"  he  answered "  And  fur- 
ther, if  your  course  should  lie  near  Kirkstall,  best 
be  mindful  of  the  Abbot.  There  may  be  some  basis 
for  De  Bury's  notion.  And  now,  away. — You  have 
the  Queen's  prayers,  the  Ring  of  the  Boar  and  your 
own  good  sword.     You  must  needs  prevail." 

As  De  Lacy  and  Dauvrey  emerged  from  the 
shadow  of  the  barbican  a  bugle  spoke  and  Raynor 
Royk  rode  forward  and  saluted. 

"  Are  you  ready  ?  "  De  Lacy  demanded,  running 
his  eye  along  the  line. 

"  Yes,  my  lord." 

"  Forward,  then ;  "  and  at  a  trot  he  led  the  way. 

"  You  know  our  mission  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Yes,  my  lord." 

"  And  the  men,  also .?  " 

*'  I   ventured   to  tell   them." 

"  It  may  be  heavy  duty  and  full  of  danger." 

The  old  warrior  drew  himself  up  sharply.  "  Your 
lordship  does  not  doubt  me.?  " 

"  Nay,  Raynor,  never  you.  I  only  want  your 
vouchment  for  the  soldiers." 


»U  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Many  would  give  their  lives  for  you,  Sir  Aymer ; 
all  would  die  for  the  Countess  of  Clare." 

"  And  you  all  may  be  afforded  the  opportunity  ere 
the  quest  be  ended,"  said  De  Lacy  grimly.  "  We 
take  the  path  to  the  Hermit's  Cell;  see  that  I  do 
not  miss  it.  Furthermore,  you  know  this  country  in- 
timately, so  do  not  hesitate  to  advise  me  at  any 
time." 

Raynor  Royk  dropped  back  to  resume  his  place; 
then  quickly  turned :  "  Two  horsemen  gallop  after 
us,  my  lord." 

De  Lacy  reined  around  and  raised  his  arm  for 
the  column  to  halt. 

"  They  wear  armor,"  said  he,  "  but  I  discern  no 
jupon." 

Raynor  Royk  shook  his  head.  "  The  corselets 
shine  plain,  but  methinks  it  is  Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton 
in  front." 

"  Aye,  it  is  Sir  Ralph !  "  Dauvrey  exclaimed,  "  or 
I  know  not  a  man's  seat  in  saddle." 

De  Lacy  rode  back  to  greet  him. 

"  Did  you  come  from  London  at  that  pace, 
Ralph  ?  "  he  asked  as  they  met. 

"  Nay,  only  from  Pontefract  to  overtake  you." 

"  You  have  news  of  the  Countess  ?  " 

"  Alas,  no.  I  reached  Pontefract  town  from  Lon- 
don last  night,  but  too  late  to  report  at  the  castle 

before  morning Now,  His  Majesty  can 

wait  until  we  have  found  Beatrix.  I  ride  with 
you,  my  friend." 


IN  PURSUIT  226 

De  Lacy  put  out  his  hand  and  De  Wilton  reached 
over  and  took  it ;  and  in  the  firm  grip  of  their  fingers 
was  the  confession  of  the  one  and  the  sympathetic 
appreciation  of  the  other. 

*'  We  will  save  her,  never  fear,"  Sir  Ralph  said. 
Then  his  eyes  fell  on  the  ring.  "  By  St.  George, 
The  Boar !  I  salute  you — for  even  though  you  are 
not  the  King,  still  are  you  almost  as  powerful. 
Whoever  wears  that  ring  has  all  but  the  title — aye, 
and  more — he  has  the  King's  enemies  as  well  as  his 
own." 

"  And  me  a  stranger !  "  De  Lacy  observed  tersely. 

"  Aye,  and  what  with  that,  and  the  Ring,  and  the 
Countess,  your  life  is  not  worth  a  third  that 
mine  is." 

"  It  is  worth  absolutely  nothing  to  me  unless  Bea- 
trix be  found  alive." 

"  Pardieu !  her  life  is  in  no  danger.  At  the  most, 
she  will  be  held  only  for  ransom." 

"  Heaven  grant  it !  though  I  fear  the  plot  is  more 
deeply  laid." 

"  In  that  case,  my  dear  De  Lacy,  when  she  is 
rescued  let  the  Church  work  quickly  its  sacrament 
upon  you ;  there  will  be  less  temptation  then  to 
carry  her  off." 

"  Yonder,  my  lord,  lies  the  way  to  the  Hermit's 
Cell,"  came  the  voice  of  Raynor  Royk. 

Under  the  oaks  and  beeches  whose  gnarled  and 

twisted  arms  overlapped  the  path  the  column  bent 

its    course;    and    as    it    wound    along    the    narrow 
15 


BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 


way,  the  shafts  of  sunlight,  breaking  through  the 
leaves,  rippled  over  the  steel  casquetcls  and  trappings 
until  it  was  as  if  a  rivulet  had  suddenly  gushed  forth 
and  was  flowing  down  this  forest  by-path. 

The  Hermit's  Cell  was  tenantless.  The  door  had 
rotted  from  its  fastenings  and  lay  athwart  the  en- 
trance. The  roof  was  fallen  in.  Mould  and  rank 
vegetation  choked  the  place.  Long  since  had  its 
holy  denizen  come  to  the  dark  River  and  been  lost  in 
the  Mists. 

A  little  way  beyond  the  hut  was  where  Sir 
John  and  the  Countess  had  been  attacked.  There 
could  be  no  missing  it,  for  the  turf  on  both  sides 
of  the  path  was  torn  and  the  bushes  were  crushed 
and  broken.  A  brief  inspection  proved  that  the 
Countess  had  been  the  quarry,  for  the  assailants  had 
not  cared  enough  about  De  Bury  to  pursue  him. 
They  had  gone  Northward,  as  the  hoof  marks 
showed,  and  springing  back  into  saddle,  De  Lacy 
hurried  on.  A  quarter  of  a  mile  beyond,  the  tracks 
turned  abruptly  and  struck  off  through  the  forest. 
At  length  the  trees  grew  thinner,  and  presently 
the  highway  lay  before  them,  and  the  trail  ended — 
nor  could  they  find  it  again. 

"  We  will  on  to  Kirkstall  and  its  crafty  Abbot," 
De  Lacy  exclaimed. 

"  Surely  you  do  not  think  he  knows  of  this  af- 
fair.? "  De  Wilton  asked. 

"  When  it  comes  to  priests  in  general  and  abbots 
in  particular,  I  never  think,"  Aymer  answered.    "  It 


IN  PURSUIT  227 

is  their  game,  and  few  can  play  it  with  them  and  have 
a  chance  to  win.  I  prefer  to  fight  them  with  my 
own  weapons,"  jerking  his  head  toward  the  fifty  men- 
at-arms.  "  If  the  Abbot  know  aught  of  this  busi- 
ness, it  will  do  no  hurt  to  let  him  see  these  honest 
followers  of  His  Majesty.    It  may  loose  his  tongue." 

"  It  will  take  more  than  steel  coats  to  make  Aldam 
speak,  if  he  be  minded  otherwise,"  said  De  Wilton. 

"  Doubtless ;  but  while  we  hold  converse  with  him, 
Raynor  Royk  shall  have  the  premises  spied  over." 

When  they  reached  Kirkstall  no  porter  was  in  the 
lodge,  but  the  gates  were  open  wide,  and  halting  the 
column,  the  two  Knights  with  their  squires  rode  into 
the  courtyard.  At  the  further  end  of  the  quadran- 
gle a  dozen  horsemen  were  drawn  up,  and  their 
leader,  his  foot  in  stirrup  ready  to  mount,  was  hav- 
ing a  last  word  with  the  Abbot. 

Hearing  their  approach  they  turned  quickly. 

"  Darby !  "  exclaimed  De  Wilton.  "  Now  what 
brings  him  here  so  early  in  the  day  ?  " 

"  Penance  and  absolution  likely,"  De  Lacy  an- 
swered scornfully. 

*'  Well,  I  trust  ho  has  got  them  and  feels  more 
easy  with  the  world." 

"  iVIy  lord  Abbot,"  said  Aymer,  as  they  dis- 
mounted, "  I  am  a  trespasser  a  second  time,  and  an 
ill-timed  one  I  fear,  for  which  I  beg  your  kind 
indulgence — and  Lord  Darby's,"  and  he  bowed  to 
the  latter. 

"  Nay,  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  you  interrupt  noth- 


228  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

ing,"  Darby  responded;  "I  was  but  making  my 
adieu  before  pushing  on  to  Pontefract." 

"  And  Sir  Aymer  knows  he  is  ever  welcome  at 
Kirkstall,  both  on  his  own  account  and  because  he 
is  of  the  Household  of  the  royal  Richard,"  the  Ab- 
bot answered  easily;  "  and  I  trust  His  Majesty  and 
his  gracious  consort  are  in  the  best  of  health." 

"  We  left  them  at  daybreak  much  distressed  over 
a  most  dastardly  outrage  perpetrated  upon  the 
Countess  of  Clare  and  Sir  John  de  Bury,"  said  Ay- 
mer abruptly,  watching  the  monk's  face — but  all 
he  saw  there  was  blank  amazement, 

"  Holy  Mother!  my  son,  what  do  you  mean?  "  he 
cried. 

"  That  they  were  set  upon  last  evening  near  the 
Hermit's  Cell  by  a  band  of  cut-throats ;  Sir  John 
all   but  murdered,   and  the   Countess   carried   oif." 

The  Cistercian  raised  his  arms  in  horrified  sur- 
prise. 

"  Incroyable !     Incroyable  !  "  he  exclaimed. 

And  Lord  Darby  began  to  swear  copiously  in 
French. 

"  What  were  the  facts,  and  what  has  been  done 
for  rescue?"  the  Abbot  asked. 

Briefly  De  Lacy  told  of  the  riderless  horse  and  the 
finding  of  Sir  John  de  Bury.  Of  the  story  revealed 
by  De  Bury's  finger  and  head  in  answer  to  the 
King's  questioning  and  the  fact  that  a  hundred  men- 
at-arms  had  been  searching  the  country  since  tlie 
late  evening  of  yesterday,  and  particularly  as  to 


IN  PURSUIT  229 

Flat-Nose  having  led  the  assailants,  he  was  most 
careful  to  say  not  a  word. 

When  he  had  finished,  Lord  Darby  went  off  again 
in  a  storm  of  fierce  imprecation ;  this  time,  however, 
in  good  Anglo-Saxon.  And  the  Abbot  was  seemingly 
so  stunned  by  Aymer's  recital  that  he  did  not  note 
the  irreverence  of  his  lordship,  who  was  let  free  to 
curse  away  to  his  heart's  content  until  brought  up 
by  De  Wilton. 

"  Take  a  fresh  start.  Darby ;  you  are  repeat- 
ing yourself.     Change  off  again  into  French." 

Darby  turned  upon  the  young  Knight  with  a  ges- 
ture of  sharp  surprise. 

"  None  but  a  weakling  could  hear  Sir  Aymer's  tale 
without  a  rush  of  hot  resentment,"  he  exclaimed. 

"  By  the  Rood !  I  observed  only  a  rush  of  oaths," 
Sir  Ralph  laughed. 

Darby's  quick  anger  flamed  up;  and  jerking  off 
his  riding  gauntlet  he  flung  it  at  De  Wilton's 
face.     But  the  Abbot  dexterously  caught  the  glove. 

"  For  shame.  Lord  Darby,  for  shame !  "  he  said, 
"  that  you,  a  man  in  life's  full  prime,  should  so  far 
forget  your  knighthood  over  a  bit  of  innocent  ban- 
ter. Nor  may  you.  Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton,  accept  the 
gage.  This  is  holy  ground;  dedicated  to  the  wor- 
ship of  the  Humble  One ;  and  I  charge  you  both,  by 
your  vows  of  humility,  to  let  this  matter  end  here  and 
not  to  carry  it  beyond  yonder  gates.  Have  I  your 
promise,  my  lord  ?  " 

"  If  Sir  Ralph  de  Wilton  be  willing,  I  am  content. 


230  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Doubtless  I  was  hasty,"  Darby  answered  with  well- 
assumed  frankness,  his  passion  quickly  curbed. 

"  And  you,  Sir  Ralph?  "  the  Abbot  queried. 

"  Am  content,  even  as  Lord  Darby.  I  have  no 
cause  for  quarrel,"  De  Wilton  replied  indifferently. 

Darby  bowed  curtly  in  acknowledgment;  then 
sprang  into  saddle. 

*'  I  shall  gallop  straight  to  Pontefract ;" — ad- 
dressing De  Lacy — "  I  may  aid  in  the  search.  Have 
you  any  message  for  the  King?  " 

"  Only  that  you  left  us  at  Kirkstall." 

Darby  gave  him  a  quick,  searching  look.  "  It  is 
a  very  meagre  report." 

De  Lacy  smiled.  "  There  has  naught  happened 
since  we  crossed  the  Aire;  and  what  was  discovered 
between  the  Castle  and  the  river  has  already  been 
communicated  to  the  King." 

The  Abbot  watched  Darby  pass  the  gate.  "  His 
lordship  would  have  liked  much  to  know  what  you 
found  at  the  Hermit's  Cell  and  in  the  forest,"  he 
remarked. 

"  Doubtless,  though  it  was  little  enough,"  said 
Aymer.  "  However,  it  is  but  a  few  leagues  to  Ponte- 
fract and  there  he  will  learn  all  the  news  of  the 
Court." 

"  True,  my  son ;  yet,  to  an  ardent  lover  and  one 
not  without  hope  of  acceptance  if  rumor  speak  cor- 
rectly, it  would  have  been  a  satisfaction  to  know 
if  you  have  anything  that  gives  clue  to  the  Coun- 
tess or  her  captors." 


IJN  rUKSUIT  231 

De  Lacy  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  Small  com- 
fort would  I  give  him,  then." 

"  Peste !  my  son,  I  am  very  stupid.  I  quite  forgot 
that  there  are  others  than  Darby  who  can  see  the 
attractions  of  the  Lady  of  Clare.  And  of  a  surety 
will  she  be  grateful  to  him  who  rescues  her." 

De  Lacy  made  a  gesture  of  dissent. 

"  It  is  scarce  honorable,  this  motive  you  ascribe 
to  me,  my  lord  Abbot,"  he  said  curtly. 

"  Honor  and  expediency  go  not  always  hand  in 
hand,"  the  priest  answered  with  a  half  suppressed 
sneer;  then  without  giving  time  for  retort,  he 
changed  his  tones  to  grave  courtesy.  "  But  I  am 
remiss,  my  lord,  I  have  not  yet  done  you  the  civility 
of  inquiring  how  we  of  Kirkstall  can  serve  you." 

"  Not  at  all,  I  fear ;  at  least  upon  the  matter 
that  brought  us  here ;  it  is  evident  you  can  give  us 
no  information  as  to  the  Countess." 

"  Alas !  no,  my  son.  Would  to  Heaven  I  could ! 
.     .    .    .      Have  you  then  lost  all  trace  of  her  ?  " 

"  Aye,  a  league  south  of  the  Aire." 

"  I  will  summon  the  brother  who  was  on  duty 
last  night  at  the  outer  lodge ;  maybe  he  noted  some- 
thing that  will  aid  you." 

But  Father  Ambrose  had  not  seen  a  single  way- 
farer; though  as  he  had  dozed  several  times  during 
the  night  he  thought  a  few  persons  might  have 
passed  quietly,  and  not  aroused  him. 

"  You  doze ! "  exclaimed  the  Abbot  in  sarcastic 
displeasure  and  eyeing  the  good  monk's  ample  girth 


232  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

and  heavy,  jowly  face.  "  Your  doze  would  need  a 
pole-axe  to  awaken.  An  army  could  have  marched 
by  with  trumpets  sounding  and  you  never  lift  an 
eye.  Other  duty  shall  be  given  you  and  a  more 
slender  brother  assigned  to  the  night  watch.     You 

may   go By   my   faith,   sirs,   I   wonder 

if  you  soldiers  have  as  much  trouble  with  your  sub- 
ordinates as  we  churchmen  have  with  ours." 

"  We,  at  least,  can  deal  out  heavier  discipline 
when  occasion  demand  it,"  De  Wilton  answered. 

"  Aye !  you  men  of  war  tread  not  after  the  Merci- 
ful One,"  the  Abbot  said. 

De  Lacy  laughed  shortly.  "  Mercy  is  but  relative, 
and  methinks,  you  ecclesiastics  are  no  slower  in  your 
judgments  than  are  we.  The  punishments  differ 
only  in  kind." 

"  But  our  discipline  is  a  step  toward  Holiness  and 
Christ,  my  son." 

"  And  ours  a  leap  toward  Sin  and  Satan,  think 
you.''  Nathless,  am  I  quite  as  willing  to  take  my 
chance  of  Heaven  in  a  coat  of  mail  as  in  the  priestly 
gown." 

The  Abbot's  eyes  snapped  with  irritation,  but  his 
speech  was  easy  and  pacific.  "  You  are  young,  my 
son  ;  perchance,  when  you  have  more  grey  hairs  there 
will  be  a  change  in  your  views.  Meanwhile  you  and 
Sir  Ralph  need  refreshment,  to  say  naught  of  the 
good  squires  and  the  horses." 

De  Lacy  hesitated.  They  had  already  tarried 
overlong,   under  the   circumstances,  but   perchance 


IN  PURSUIT  gSS 

Raynor  Royk  had  not  yet  completed  his  scrutiny  of 
the  Abbey.  There  was  need  that  this  should  be 
thoroughly  done,  yet  so  carefully,  withal,  as  not  to 
arouse  suspicion.  If  Aldam  were  to  imagine  he 
and  his  were  mistrusted  it  would  make  him  an  enemy 
if  innocent,  and  a  doubly  armed  foe  if  guilty.  The 
doubt,  however,  was  solved  by  the  entrance  of  a 
strange  horseman  into  the  courtyard.  A  faint  frown 
crossed  the  Abbot's  face  as  he  saw  him,  and  De  Lacy 
instantly  decided  to  remain.  Evidently  the  newcomer 
was  either  unwelcome  or  inopportiuie ;  and  if  it  were 
because  of  their  presence,  then  undoubtedly  here 
was  their  place. 

"  We  will  accept  with  thanks,  your  reverence," 
he  said. 

Aldam  smiled  suavely;  then  went  forward  to 
greet  the  new  guest. 

"  It  is  Sir  Christopher  Urswicke — the  priest 
Knight — the  confessor  of  Margaret  of  Richmond," 
De  Wilton  whispered. 

"  A  bit  far  out  of  his  demesne,  methinks,"  De 
Lacy  muttered. 

"  Aye !  too  far  to  be  passed  over  without  report 
to  His  Majesty.  Where  Urswicke  goes  his  mistress 
sends  him — and  lately  she  has  but  one  object  in  life: 
to  make  her  son  the  King  of  England." 

"  And  like  enough  will  succeed  only  in  making 
him  shorter  by  a  head,"  De  Lacy  responded. 

Meanwhile  Urswicke  had  greeted  the  Abbot  and 
dismounting  had  turned  his  horse  over  to  his  two 


234  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

atttendants — who  were  neither  squires  nor  yet  ordi- 
nary servants,  and  who  doubtless  could  either  fight 
or  pray  as  occasion  demanded.  Their  dress  par- 
took of  the  style  of  their  master,  who  wore  the  ordi- 
nary riding  costume  of  a  Knight,  even  to  the  golden 
spurs;  the  only  marks  of  his  clerical  calling  being 
his  short  cropped  hair  and  the  string  of  beads  about 
his  neck  with  the  pendant  crucifix.  His  frame  was 
angular  and  above  the  ordinary  height.  His  face 
was  long  and  narrow,  with  a  hawk-like  nose,  pointed 
chin,  thin,  straight  lips,  prominent  cheek  bones  and 
deep-set  grey  eyes  that  glittered  and  chilled  like 
those  of  a  snake.  He  swept  the  others  from  helm 
to  spur  with  a  single  glance,  and  Aymer  saw  his 
eyes  fasten  for  an  instant  on  the  Ring  of  the  Boar. 

But  if  Urswicke's  countenance  were  forbidding, 
not  so  was  his  voice.  Its  clear,  sweet  tones  were  in 
such  sharp  contrast  to  the  fell  face  that  De  Lacy  was 
startled  into  showing  his  surprise.  And  the  priest 
noticed  it,  as  he  had  many  times  before  in  others, 
and  smiled  in  indifferent  contempt. 

During  the  refection,  that  was  served  immediately, 
Urswicke  was  most  amiable  and  paid  particular  at- 
tention to  De  Lacy  and  De  Wilton.  By  most  astute 
and  careful  conversation  he  sought  to  draw  from 
them  information  as  to  the  King's  programme  dur- 
ing the  Autumn ;  how  long  he  would  remain  at  Ponte- 
fract,  and  whither  his  course  when  he  left  there. 
Yet  with  all  the  art  of  an  adept,  he  risked  no  direct 
question  and  displayed  no  particular  interest  in  these 


IN  PURSUIT  236 

matters,  when  by  his  very  manoeuvring  they  were 
touched  upon.  But  De  Wilton  had  been  bred  in  the 
atmosphere  of  Gloucester's  household  and  De  Lacy 
had  been  trained  by  years  of  service  amid  Italian 
and  French  plotters;  and  they  both  quickly  dis- 
cerned that  the  Abbot  and  the  Priest-Knight  were 
working  together,  and  they  only  smiled  and  played 
them  off  against  each  other;  and  at  the  end  of 
the  meal,  what  the  two  had  learned  of  Richard's 
intentions  was  likely  to  be  of  scant  profit  to  either 
Henry  Tudor  or  his  scheming  mother. 

"  What  a  precious  pair  of  priestly  scoundrels ! " 
De  Wilton  exclaimed,  when  he  and  De  Lacy  had 
mounted  and  were  trotting  toward  the  gate. 

"  They  will  be  the  first  knocked  on  the  head 
if  Raynor  Royk  has  located  the  Countess,"  said 
Aymer. 

"  By  the  saintly  Benedict !  why  not  do  the 
knocking  now  and  then  hear  Raynor's  report  ?  "  De 
Wilton  laughed. 

"  It  would  give  me  great  pleasure  and  doubtless 
be  altogether  proper  as  a  matter  of  abstract  jus- 
tice; but  I  fear  rather  impolitic.  Best  wait  for 
Royk." 

But  Royk's  search  was  barren ;  and  so  the  Abbot 
Aldam  and  Sir  Christopher  Urswicke  were  left  to 
their  plotting,  while  Sir  Aymer  De  Lacy  and  Sir 
Ralph  De  Wilton  rode  Westward,  seeking  vainly 
for  a  clue  to  the  lost  Lady  of  Clare. 


XVIII 
The  House  in  Sheffield 

Theee  weeks  later,  toward  evening,  Sir  Aymer  de 
Lacy  with  a  dozen  weary  and  travel-stained  men- 
at-arms  rode  into  Sheffield  and  drew  up  before  the 
Inn  of  the  Red  Lion.  In  fog  and  rain  and  sunshine, 
by  day  and  by  night,  they  had  kept  to  the  search, 
and  all  in  vain. 

The  morning  after  leaving  Kirkstall  Abbey,  De 
Lacy  and  De  Wilton  had  separated.  It  was  use- 
less to  hold  so  many  men  together  when  there  was 
no  immediate  prospect  of  a  fight  or  even  a  hard  stern 
chase ;  and  there  would  be  much  more  profit  in  divid- 
ing them  into  small  bodies  and  so  spreading  over  a 
wider  stretch  of  country.  De  Wilton  with  half  of 
the  force  turned  Northward  to  cover  the  section 
beyond  the  Wharf e,  while  De  Lacy  with  the  others 
kept  on  toward  Lancaster;  and  these  he  further 
divided  and  subdivided  until  there  was  scarce  a 
hamlet  or  bridle-path  in  the  West  Riding  that  had 
not  been  visited. 

As  the  days  passed  with  no  fortune  for  him,  and 
no  word  from  the  King  of  success  elsewhere,  ho  went 
from  fierce  anger  to  stern  determination  and  from 
headlong  haste  to  dogged  persistency.  He  had  re- 
fused to  entertain  for  an  instant  the  notion  that 
236 


THE  HOUSE  IN  SHEFFIELD        23T 

the  Countess  of  Clare  was  dead,  though  he  knew 
that  such  had  become  the  prevaihng  view  at  Court, 
and  that  even  Richard  himself  was  growing  fearful 
lest  murder  had  followed  the  abduction. 

To  the  hasty  and  obsequious  greetings  of  the 
landlord  De  Lacy  gave  only  a  short  nod  and  ordered 
lodging  for  himself  and  men.  Choosing  a  small  ta- 
ble in  the  farthest  corner  and  in  the  shadow  of  the 
big  chimne^'^,  he  slowly  sipped  his  wine.  There 
were  eight  others  in  the  room,  but  Flat-Nose 
was  not  of  them.  Three  were  merchants,  traveling 
in  company,  possibly  for  protection  on  the  road, 
and  en  route  doubtless  to  York  and  its  busy  marts. 
They  were  gathered  about  an  abundant  meal  spread 
at  one  end  of  the  large  table  and  were  talking 
loudly  of  their  business.  At  the  other  end  of  the 
board,  their  heads  close  together  in  subdued  and 
earnest  converse,  were  two  Benedictines  in  the 
black  tunic  and  gown  of  the  Order.  De  Lacy  had 
early  learned  on  the  Continent  that  a  traveling 
monk  usually  meant  mischief  afoot  for  some  one; 
and  as  from  their  manner  of  talk  they  evidently 
had  not  been  journeying  together,  but  were  just  met, 
and  possibly  by  prearrangement,  it  would  be  well 
he  thought  to  keep  them  under  a  temporary  surveil- 
lance. Over  near  the  window  in  the  rear  of  the 
room  were  two  lusty-looking  men-at-arms,  each  with 
a  big  mug  of  ale  at  his  elbow;  and  as  they  wore 
no  badge  of  service,  they  also  would  bear  watching. 
The  eighth  and  last  was  of  De  Lacy's  own  rank,  but 


2S8  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

older  by  at  least  ten  years;  and  he  stared  across 
with  such  persistence  that  Aymer  grew  annoyed  and 
drew  back  into  the  shadow. 

Until  the  night  when  he  had  lost  his  betrothed, 
Aymer  de  Lacy  had  been  genial,  frank  and  open- 
hearted  ;  taking  life  as  it  canic,  meeting  man  against 
man  in  the  open,  searching  not  into  the  dark.  But 
the  outrage  at  the  Hermit's  Cell,  and  the  days  of 
distress  which  followed  had  worked  a  change.  He 
was  growing  cold  and  stern  and  distrustful;  cau- 
tious of  speech;  reserved  and  distant  in  manner; 
seeking  always  for  a  clue  behind  even  the  most 
friendly  face  or  cordial  greeting ;  and  holding  every 
stranger  under  the  ban  of  suspicion. 

At  length  having  long  since  finished  his  wine,  he 
was  about  to  rap  on  the  table  for  the  landlord  when 
the  front  door  opened  and  a  young  girl  glided  into 
the  room.  She  wore  the  fancy  dress  of  the  tymbes- 
tere,  a  red  bodice  slashed  and  spangled,  and  a  red 
skirt  that  came  midway  between  the  knee  and  the 
ground,  disclosing  a  pair  of  trim  and  shapely  ankles 
and  small  feet.  But  as  if  to  compensate  for  this 
display,  her  face  was  hidden  by  a  black  mask 
through  which  the  eyes  shone  and  smiled,  but  which 
effectively  concealed  her  other  features. 

Pausing  an  instant,  until  satisfied  she  was  ob- 
served by  all,  she  began  a  slow  and  stately  dance, 
timing  her  steps  to  the  soft  jingle  of  her  tambourine. 
The  girl  had  a  lithe  gracefulness  and  stately  bearing 
unusual    in    those   of  her   class — whose   exhibitions 


THE  HOUSE  IN  SHEFFIELD        239 

were  rather  of  the  fast  and  furious  kind  with  a 
Hberal  display  of  their  forms — and  when  with  a  last 
low  curtsy  she  ended,  there  was  plenty  of  applause 
from  all  save  the  two  monks.  They  eyed  her  with  a 
displeasure  they  took  no  trouble  to  conceal ;  and  when 
she  tripped  lightly  over  to  them  and  extended  her 
tambourine  for  an  offering  they  drew  back  sourly. 

"  Avaunt,  foul  baggage ! "  the  elder  ex- 
claimed. "  Have  you  no  shame  to  ply  your  lewd 
vocation  before  a  priest  of  God.''  Verily,  you  do 
well  to  hide  your  face  behind  a  mask." 

The  girl  drew  back  timidly,  and  with  never  a 
word  in  reply  passed  on  to  the  two  men-at-arms. 
Here  she  got  a  different  sort  of  greeting. 

"  Do  not  fret  your  pretty  eyes  over  that  pair  of 
hypocrites  in  black,  yonder,"  one  of  them  exclaimed 
loudly  and  speaking  directly  at  the  Benedictines; 
"  they  are  holy  only  in  a  crowd.  If  they  met  you 
when  none  else  were  near,  they  would  tear  off  each 
other's  gowns  to  be  the  first  in  your  favors." 

"  Right,  comrade  mine,  right !  "  laughed  his  com- 
panion, bringing  his  fist  down  upon  the  table  until 
the  mugs  rattled. 

The  two  monks  turned  upon  them. 

"  You  godless  men,"  said  one  sternly ;  "  it  is  well 
you  bear  no  badge  of  maintenance,  else  would  your 
lord  have  chance  to  work  some  wholesome  discipline 
upon  you." 

But  the  men-at-arms  only  laughed  derisively  and 
made  no  response. 


240  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Meanwhile  the  damsel  had  approached  the  strange 
Knight  and  sought  a  gratuity.  With  ostentatious 
display  he  drew  out  a  quarter  noble  and  dropped 
it  on  the  tambourine.  Then  as  she  curtsied  in 
acknowledgment  he  leaned  forward,  and  caught 
her  arm. 

"  Come,  little  one,  show  me  j^our  face,"  he  said. 

With  a  startled  cry  the  girl  sprang  back  and 
struggled  to  get  free.  But  the  Knight  only  smiled 
and  drew  her  slowly  to  his  knee,  shifting  his  arm  to 
her  waist. 

"  Pardieu !  my  dear,  be  not  so  timid,"  he 
scoffed.    "  Kiss  me  and  I  may  release  you." 

For  answer  she  struck  at  him  with  the  tambourine, 
cutting  his  chin  with  one  of  the  metal  discs  so  that 
the  blood  oozed  out. 

"  Little  devil !  "  he  muttered ;  and  without  more 
ado  bent  back  her  head,  whispering  something  the 
while. 

With  a  last  desperate  effort  to  free  herself,  which 
was  futile,  and  with  the  dark  face  drawing  with 
mocking  slowness  toward  her  own,  she  realized  her 
utter  helplessness  and  cried  appealingly  for  aid. 

In  a  trice,  she  was  seized  and  torn  away;  and 
between  her  and  her  assailant,  and  facing  him,  stood 
Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  his  arms  folded  and  a  contempt- 
uous smile  upon  his  lips.  The  next  instant,  without 
a  word,  the  other  plucked  out  his  dagger  and  leaped 
upon  him,  aiming  a  thrust  at  his  neck.  By  a  quick 
step  to  the  side  Aymer  avoided  the  rush,  and  as  the 


HE     STRUCK     HIM     A     SWINGING     RIGHT     ARM    BLOW      THAT    SENT 
HIM  PLUNGING  AMONG  THE   RUSHES  ON  THE   FLOOR 


THE  HOUSE  IN  SHEFFIELD        241 

other  lurched  by  he  struck  him  a  swinging  right 
arm  blow  behind  the  ear  that  sent  him  plunging 
among  the  rushes  on  the  floor,  while  the  dagger 
rolled  across  to  the  farther  wall. 

"  Bravo !  Bravo !  "  cried  the  two  men-at 
arms.  "  Shall  we  throw  him  into  the  street,  mj 
lord?  " 

He  waved  them  back;  and  the  Knight,  who  had 
been  slightly  dazed,  struggled  to  his  feet  and  looked 
about  him.  Then  seeing  De  Lacy,  who  had  re- 
sumed his  calmly  contemptuous  attitude,  he  grasped 
the  situation  and  a  wave  of  red  anger  crossed  his 
face.  But  he  was  not  of  the  blustering  sort, 
it  seemed,  and  drawing  out  a  handkerchief  he  pro- 
ceeded carefully  to  fleck  the  dirt  and  dust  from  his 
doublet  and  hose.  When  he  had  removed  the  last 
speck,   he  bowed  low. 

"  Shall  we  settle  this  matter  with  swords  or  dag- 
gers, my  lord?  "    he  said,  in  French. 

"  I  think  too  much  of  my  good  weapons  to  soil 
them  on  one  who  assuredly  has  stolen  the  golden 
spurs  he  wears,"  De  Lacy  replied  scornfully. 

"  My  name  is  Sir  Philebert  de  Shaunde  and  my 
escutcheon  quite  as  ancient  as  your  own,'*  with 
another  bow. 

"  It  is  a  pity,  then,  It  has  fallen  upon  one 
who  needs  more  than  his  own  word  to  sustain  the 
claim." 

De  Shaunde's  face  went  red  again  and  his  voice 
trembled  and  was  very  soft.     "  His  Grace  of  Buck- 
16 


242  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

ingham  will  be  my  voucher,  though  it  will  misde- 
mean  him  much  as  against  one  who  has  a  tymbes- 
tere  for  mistress  and  is  a  coward,  as  well." 

De  Lacy  glanced  quickly  around  the  room: 

"  She  is  no  longer  here  to  feel  your  insults,"  he 
said,  "  but  it  is  her  due  that  I  refute  them.  I  never 
saw  the  maid  until  I  saved  her  from  your  foul  caress. 
As  for  my  cowardice,  good  sir,  I  but  protect  my 
knighthood  against  a  caitiff  whose  very  touch  is 
dark  pollution." 

"  I  shall  proclaim  your  refusal  to  accept  my  defi- 
ance before  King  and  Court  and  let  them  judge 
of  the  quarrel." 

"  So  be  it — ^you  will  find  me  known  there,"  Aymer 
replied  curtly;  and  sauntering  back  to  his  table  he 
called  for  another  bottle  of  wine. 

De  Shaunde,  however,  stayed  only  long  enough  to 
give  some  order  to  the  landlord,  who  received  it 
with  rather  scant  courtesy;  then  with  showy  indif- 
ference, slapping  his  gauntlets  against  his  leg  as 
he  walked,  he  left  the  room  by  the  street  door 
just  as  Giles  Dauvrey  entered.  The  squire  stood 
aside  to  let  him  pass,  then  crossed  to  his  master. 

"  Did  you  recognize  that  fellow.'' "  De  Lacy 
queried. 

"  No,  my  lord." 

"  He  styles  himself  *  Sir  Philebert  de  Shaunde.'  *' 

Dauvrey  scratched  his  head.  "  I  am  sure  I  never 
saw  him  before." 

"  Well,  it  is  small  matter,  but  as  we  may  see 


THE  HOUSE  IN  SHEFFIELD         243 

more  of  him  hereafter  it  will  be  wise  to  keep  him 
in  mind  " — and  he  told  of  the  encounter. 

"  What  became  of  the  damsel  ?  "  the  squire  asked. 

"  She  disappeared  during  the  scuffle ;  but  doubt- 
less the  landlord  can  advise  you  where  to  find  her," 
De  Lacy  said  good-naturedly. 

"  A  most  extraordinary  tymbestere  who  refuses  a 
Knight's  caress,"  Dauvrey  explained. 

"But  would  not,  you  think,  refuse  a  squire's?" 

"  Nay,  my  lord,  what  I  think  is  that  she  might 
bear  investigation.  She  is  in  disguise,  I  will  stake 
my  head." 

"How  does  that  concern  us.''" 

"  Only  as  every  mystery  concerns  us  now.  To 
solve   one   sometimes   solves   another." 

"  It  is  a  queer  notion,  Giles,  but  it  will  do  no 
harm  to  question  the  host.  Meanwhile,  I  will  await 
you  without." 

Night  had  fallen  and  it  was  very  dark  save  when, 
at  intervals,  the  narrow  crescent  of  the  new  moon 
cut  through  the  clouds  that  were  crowding  one 
another  in  heavy  ranks  across  the  sky.  Before  the 
inn  the  street  was  illumined  feebly  by  the  reflection 
of  the  torches  and  candles  from  within,  and  at 
wide  intervals  along  the  roadway  light  shone  from 
the  houses.  But  all  this  only  made  more  dense  and 
visible  the  blackness  that  lay  around. 

From  far  up  the  street  came  the  sound  of  sing- 
ing and  laughter;  and  De  Lacy,  recognizing  the 
voices  of  some  of  his  own  men,  envied  them  their 


244  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

light  hearts  and  freedom  from  care  and  sorrow. 
They  lived  for  the  day;  the  morrow  was  sufficient 
when  it  came. 

Presently  the  squire  appeared. 

"  It  is  as  I  suspected,"  he  said.  "  The  girl  has 
never  before  been  seen  about  the  inn  or  even  in  the 
town.  He  says  he  knows  all  the  tymbesteres  for 
miles  around,  but  this  one  is  not  of  them." 

"  It  is  a  pity  we  had  none  to  watch  her  when 
she  left  the  room,"  De  Lacy  rephed.  "  However,  I 
hear  our  men  making  merry  out  yonder,  and  after 
going  with  me  to  see  that  they  are  up  to  no  serious 
mischief  you  are  at  liberty  to  devote  the  entire  time 
until  the  morning  in  searching  for  this  mysterious 
maid — though  it  will  be  good  sleep  wasted,  I  have 
no  doubt." 

The  two  started  down  the  road,  keeping  well  in 
the  centre  where  the  walking  was  likely  to  be  easiest. 
There  were  no  side  paths  and  the  way  was  rough 
and  full  of  holes.  Stumbling  along  in  the  dark  they 
came,  after  a  little,  to  a  house  from  the  upper  story 
of  which  a  bright  hght  was  shining.  De  Lacy 
glanced  indifferently  at  the  window — then  halted 
short  and  seizing  Dauvrey's  arm  pointed  upward. 

Just  inside  the  open  casement,  and  standing  so 
that  every  line  of  his  face  and  shoulders  was  dis- 
tinctly visible,  was  the  man  De  Lacy  and  all  the 
royal  commanders  of  England  had  been  seeking  for 
the  last  three  weeks. 

His  thick  red  hair  was  bare  of  casquetel  and  there 


THE  HOUSE  IN  SHEFFIELD        245 

could  be  no  mistaking  that  great,  flat  nose,  even  if 
there  had  not  been  the  bright  scar  blazed  across 
the  face  by  Sir  John  de  Bury's  sword,  and  the  short, 
thick-set  figure  to  complete  the  identification. 

De  Lacy's  heart  gave  a  great  leap.  Was  this, 
then,  the  end  of  his  chase  .'^  Was  Beatrix  in  yon- 
der house.''  Would  he  soon  hold  her  in  his  arms — 
or  was  he  about  to  learn  that  she  was  lost  to  him 
for  ever.''  In  the  tumultuous  rush  of  feeling  his 
power  of  quick  decision  left  him  for  the  moment; 
but  Dauvrey's  muffled  exclamation  broke  the  spell. 

"  It  is  he— Flat-Nose  !  " 

"  Aye !  "  De  Lacy  whispered,  drawing  the  squire 
aside  into  the  shadow.  "  He  must  be  seized  at  once. 
Summon  the  men  and  surround  the  house.  I  will 
remain  on  guard.  Hasten,  Giles !  In  God's  name, 
hasten ! " 

Dauvrey  plunged  away  into  the  darkness  and 
Aymer,  choosing  a  position  from  which  he  could  best 
watch  the  window,  but  at  the  same  time  be  himself 
hidden,  settled  back  to  his  anxious  wait. 

Flat-Nose  was  not  alone;  presently  he  began 
to  speak  to  some  one  behind  him,  and  hoping  to 
overhear  the  conversation,  Aymer  worked  his  way 
with  great  care  across  the  road  to  the  house.  There 
were  no  lights  on  the  lower  floor,  and  the  upper 
story,  projecting  a  foot  or  more  over  the  street, 
made  him  secure  from  observation. 

But  the  new  position  was  very  little  better  than 
the  other  one;  and  try  as  he  might  he  could  not 


246  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

catch  anything  but  an  occasional  word  which,  in  it- 
self, had  no  significance.  He  began  to  grow  im- 
patient— it  seemed  most  unduly  long  since  Dauvrey 
had  gone. 

Then  a  chair  was  shoved  back  in  the  room  above 
and  some  one  began  to  move  about.  Suddenly  a 
head  was  thrust  out  and  Flat-Nose  peered  into 
the  darkness. 

"  God  in  Heaven !  what  blackness !  "  he  exclaimed. 

*'  The  Devil's  own  night  for  a  ride No 

danger,"  he  went  on,  answering  some  remark  from 
within.    "  I  know  every  path  in  Yorkshire." 

It  was  evident  he  was  preparing  to  depart  and 
De  Lacy  drew  his  sword  and  stood  close  beside  the 
door.  He  wished  only  to  disable  the  fellow ;  but  he 
would  kill  him  rather  than  suffer  him  to  escape. 
Just  then,  a  number  of  forms  came  slowly  out  of  the 
darkness  and  at  a  motion  from  the  one  in  front  flit- 
ted off  toward  the  rear  of  the  house.  It  was  Dauv- 
rey and  the  men,  at  last,  and  the  Knight  gave  a 
sigh  of  relief. 

To  avoid  crossing  the  zone  of  light  in  regaining 
the  place  where  he  had  left  his  master,  the  squire 
drew  close  to  the  house  and  so  chanced  upon  him. 

"  Just  in  time,"  De  Lacy  whispered.  "  Flat- 
Nose  is  going." 

An  inside  door  was  opened  and  a  heavy  step  came 
down  the  stairs.  There  was  a  fumbling  with  the 
fastenings  of  the  street  door ;  then  it  swung  back  and 
a  man  stepped  out  and  shut  it  behind  him. 


THE  HOUSE  IN  SHEFFIELD        247 

The  next  instant  two  pairs  of  strong  arms  closed 
around  him,  De  Lacy's  hand  fastened  on  his  throat, 
he  was  borne  to  the  ground,  and  before  he  could 
struggle  his  legs  were  bound  above  the  knees  with 
Dauvrey's  belt.  His  arms  were  then  quickly  secured 
and  a  piece  of  cloth  thrust  into  his  mouth  as  a  gag. 
A  low  hiss  brought  the  nearest  soldier  to  guard  him 
and  De  Lacy  and  the  squire  cautiously  entered  the 
house. 

It  was  darker  there  even  than  outside  and  they 
listened  for  a  space;  but  all  was  quiet.  Then 
working  carefully  along  the  wall,  they  found  a  door 
which  stood  ajar.  De  Lacy  whispered  to  make  a 
light,  and  the  squire,  with  as  little  noise  as  possible, 
struck  the  flint  and  ignited  the  bit  of  candle  he  al- 
ways carried  in  his  pouch.  As  it  flamed  timidly  up 
they  peered  about  them.  The  place  was  empty, 
save  for  a  table  and  a  few  chairs,  but  on  each  side 
was  a  door  and  in  the  rear  the  stairway  to  the  upper 
floor.  An  examination  of  the  remaining  two  rooms 
was  barren  of  results ;  one  was  the  kitchen  and  the 
other  a  sleeping  chamber,  but  the  bed  had  not  been 
disturbed.  If  the  Countess  of  Clare  were  in  the 
house  she  was  on  the  next  floor;  and,  at  least, 
the  man  who  had  been  with  Flat-Nose  must  be 
there,  so  it  would  be  two  prisoners  instead  of 
one  if  he  were  unable  to  give  a  good  account  of 
himself. 

The  stairs  were  old  and  shaky  and  creaked  and 
groaned    as    they    cautiously    ascended.      And    the 


«48  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

noise  was  heard ;  for  suddenly  the  door  at  the  head 
of  the  landing  swung  back — and  Flat-Nose  himself 
stood  in  the  opening. 

"  What  is  amiss,  my  lord  ?  "  he  began — then 
stopped.  "  De  Lacy  !  "  he  cried  and  springing  back 
hurled  the  door  shut. 

The  appearance  here  of  the  man  they  thought 
was  lying  bound  and  helpless  in  the  road  held  both 
De  Lacy  and  Dauvrey  for  an  instant.  Then  with 
sudden  fury  they  flung  themselves  up  the  last  few 
steps  and  against  the  door.  It  yielded  easily  and 
they  rushed  into  the  room — just  as  Flat-Nose 
leaped  from  the  window  ledge.  And  the  fortune 
that  had  befriended  him  so  long  still  stood  true,  and 
a  mocking  laugh  came  back,  as  the  darkness  wrapped 
itself  about  him. 

De  Lacy  put  his  hand  on  the  casement  to  follow 
when  Dauvrey  seized  him  from  behind. 

"  To  the  front,  men,  and  after  him !  "  he  shouted 

through  the  window "  Your  pardon,  my 

dear  lord,"  he  said  with  deep  respect,  "  but  you  could 
ill  afford  to  take  such  risk  now.  Hark,  sir,  they 
are  already  in  pursuit." 

Sir  Aymer  nodded.  "  You  are  right,  Giles.  It 
would  have  gained  naught  but  perchance  a  broken 
bone.  He  has  escaped  this  time — on  such  a  night 
an  army  would  be  lost.  .  .  .  But  who,  in  the 
Fiend's  name,  is  the  fellow  we  have  below.?  " 

Seizing  the  burning  candle  from  the  table,  they 
hurried  out,  and  bending  over  De  Lacy  flashed  the 


THE  HOUSE  IN  SHEFFIELD        249 

light  across  the  prisoner's  face — and  started  back 
in  vast  amaze. 

"  Holy  St.  Denis  !    Lord  Darby  !  " 

For  a  space  he  stood  looking  down  upon  him ;  then 
motioning  toward  the  house  he  went  within,  and 
behind  him  Dauvrey  and  the  guard  bore  the  captive 
— and  none  too  easy  were  their  hands. 

In  the  front  room  De  Lacy  put  down  the  candle. 

"  Release  him,"  he  ordered "  So,  sir, 

you  search  for  the  Countess  of  Clare  in  company 
with  her  abductor.  Truly,  it  is  wondrous  strange 
you  have  not  found  her.  Tell  me,  my  lord,  might  it 
be  that  though  we  missed  the  servant  we  got  the 
master  ?  " 

"  What  I  can  tell  you,  my  French  upstart,"  Darby 
retorted,  "  is  that  this  night's  work  will  bring  you 
heavy  punishment." 

"  Forsooth !    From  whom  ?  " 

"  From  me  perchance ;  from  the  King  surely." 

De  Lacy  laughed  disdainfully.  "  You  always 
were  a  braggart,  I  have  heard ;  yet  you  will  need  all 
your  wits  to  save  your  own  head  when  arraigned  be- 
fore him." 

"  Arraigned !  Save  my  head  !  These  are  queer  ex- 
pressions for  such  as  you  to  use  to  a  Peer  of  Eng- 
land." 

"  No  more  queer  than  for  a  Peer  of  England  to 
be  an  abductor  of  women." 

"  You  are  still  pleased  to  speak  in  riddles,"  Darby 
answered  with  a  shrug. 


250  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

**  Pardieu !  it  will  be  a  riddle  for  which  you  best 
have  a  shrewd  answer  ready  for  His  Majesty." 

"  Metliinks  you  have  lost  what  little  sense  you 
ever  had  and  are  not  responsible,"  said  Darby; 
"  therefore  I  have  the  pleasure  of  wishing  you  a 
very  good  night,"  and  he  turned  toward  the  door. 

De  Lacy  laughed  scornfully. 

"  Not  so  fast,  my  lord,"  he  said.  "  You  will  have 
to  bear  with  my  poor  company  for  a  space.  The 
King  is  at  Lincoln." 

"  What  has  that  to  do  with  me  ?  .  .  .  .  Stand 
aside,  fellow,"  as  Dauvrey  barred  the  way. 

For  answer  the  squire  drew  dagger  and  the  man- 
at-arms  laid  a  heavy  hand  on  Darby's  shoulder.  It 
was  useless  to  try  bare  fists  against  such  odds  and  he 
wheeled  about. 

"  What  means  this  fresh  outrage  .f*  "  he  demanded. 

"  It  means  that  you  are  my  prisoner." 

"Your  prisoner!     And  wherefore.''" 

"  As  the  abductor  of  the  Countess  of  Clare." 

Darby  held  up  his  hands  in  amazement.  "  Are 
you  clean  daft.'*"  he  exclaimed. 

"  It  is  useless,  my  lord,  longer  to  play  the  inno- 
cent," said  Aymer.  "  Either  confess  what  has  been 
done  with  the  Countess  or  to  the  King  you  go 
straightway." 

Darby  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  Since  you  have 
the  rogues  to  obey  you  and  I  have  not  the  informa- 
tion you  desire,  it  must  be  to  the  King,"  he  said. 
'*  And  the  more  haste  you  use  to  reach  him  the 


THE  HOUSE  IN  SHEFFIELD        251 

quicker  will  come  mj  time  to  even  scores  with  you," 
and  he  sat  down  and  began  to  brush  the  dirt  from 
his  garments. 

De  Lacy  eyed  him  in  stern  silence,  his  resentment 
growing  fiercer  as  he  held  it  in  restraint;  while 
the  squire,  in  equal  anger,  kept  shooting  his  dagger 
back  and  forth  in  its  sheath  as  if  impatient  to  use 
it.  And  but  for  the  sake  of  the  information  Darby 
could  furnish  as  to  Beatrix,  the  dagger  might  have 
been  suffered  to  do  its  work  and  De  Lacy  raise  no 
hand  to  stay  it.  Nay,  rather,  would  he  have  stood 
by  and  watched  it  strike  home  with  grim  satisfaction. 

Presently  Darby  had  finished  with  his  clothes  and 
glancing  up  met  De  Lacy's  eyes.  A  taunting  smile 
came  to  his  lips  and  he  began  to  whistle  softly  to 
himself.     It  was  De  Lacy  who  spoke  first. 

"  I  should  like  to  know,"  said  he,  "  how  one  of 
your  craftiness  could  be  so  stupid  as  to  carry  off  the 
Countess  of  Clare?  What  possible  profit  could  you 
think  to  gain.?  " 

Darby  did  not  answer  at  once.  When  he  did,  it 
was  with  a  sneer. 

"  Methinks,  good  sir,"  he  said,  "  you  are  too 
stupid  to  appreciate  that  you  have,  yourself,  un- 
wittingly advanced  the  best  proof  of  my  innocence. 
Fools,  you  know,  sometimes  speak  truth." 

"  Aye,  but  even  a  fool  would  know  that  Flat-Nose 
and  you  were  together  in  yonder  upper  room.  Can 
you  explain  that,  my  dear  lord  ?  " 

Darby  laughed.     "  Naught  easier,   Sir  French- 


^52  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

man,  if  His  Majesty  deem  it  necessary.  You  will 
pardon  me,  however,  if  I  keep  you  waiting  until 
then." 

"  So  be  it.  We  start  for  Lincoln  at  daybreak. 
Have  I  your  word  to  ride  quietly  and  attempt  no 
escape,  rescue  or  no  rescue?  " 

"  And  if  I  refuse  the  word  ?  " 

"  Then  shall  you  go  bound  hand  and  foot  and 
strapped  to  saddle." 

"  Pasque  Dieu !  It  would  be  most  uncomfortable 
riding,  so  I  pass  my  word,"  Darby  replied  care- 
lessly. "  But,  understand  me,  it  is  no  acknowledg- 
ment of  your  authority  either  to  demand  it  or  to 
receive  it." 

"  As  to  that  I  am  answerable  to  the  King,  not  to 
you,"  said  De  Lacy.  "  And  further.  Sir  Abductor, 
if  you  violate  your  word — which,  indeed,  I  trust 
but  lightly — you  will  have  an  arrow  through  your 
carcass  ere  you  have  gone  two  paces.  I  wish  you 
good-night,"  and  leaving  Dauvrey  in  command  he 
returned  to  the  Red  Lion. 


xrx 

Back  to  the  King 

The  door  of  the  Inn  was  barred,  and  with  the 
hilt  of  his  dagger  De  Lacy  pounded  sharply.  It 
was  the  host,  himself,  who  admitted  him,  and  as  he 
passed  in  the  man  touched  his  arm. 

"  May  I  have  a  word  with  you,  my  lord?  "  he 
whispered,  and  led  the  way  into  a  small  room  in  the 
rear.  Closing  the  door  very  easily  he  laid  his  ear 
against  it,  and  then  seeming  satisfied  came  close  over. 

"  You  are  from  the  Court,  my  lord  ?  "  he  said 
softly. 

"  I  am  of  the  Court,  but  not  directly  from  it." 

"  Then  you  do  not  know  if  His  Majesty  fear  an 
uprising  in  the  South?  " 

De  Lacy  was  instantly  interested,  though  he  an- 
swered indifferently  enough.  "  Uprising !  Not 
likely.  Who  is  so  far  done  with  life  as  to  meditate 
such  folly?" 

"  That  I  think  I  know,  sir ;  and  it  is  hatching  as 
sure  as  Dunstan's  a  saint." 

"  Which  is  anything  but  sure,  my  man.  Come 
to  the  facts." 

"  Do  you  recall  the  two  monks  and  the  Knight 
you  punished  because  of  the  tymbestere." 

De  Lacy  nodded. 

253 


254  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  After  your  lordship  went  out  the  Knight  re- 
turned and  the  three  held  conference  together.  I 
myself  served  them  with  wine  and  heard  some  of 
their  talk — only  a  chance  word,  sir;  and  they  were 
most  suspicious.  They  spoke  of  ships  and  troops, 
but  I  could  not  gain  the  sense  of  it.  Once  they  let 
fall  the  word  '  Richmond  '  and  tried  to  catch  it  back 
ere  it  were  out.  Then  they  went  above  to  the  monks' 
room.     Your  worship's  room  is  next  to  it " 

"  Good,  I  will  go  up,"  Aymer  interrupted. 

The  landlord  stopped  him.  "  It  will  be  too  late, 
sir.    They  have  gone." 

"  Diable!  "  De  Lacy  exclaimed.  **  Why  did  you 
not  try  to  hear  the  rest  of  their  talk.f*  " 

The  man  smiled  shrewdly.  "  I  did  my  best,  sir. 
There  is  a  spot  where  the  wall  in  your  lordship's 
room  is  very  thin.  I  listened  there,  and  though  I 
caught  a  sentence  only  now  and  then,  yet  I  made  it 
that  the  Earl  of  Richmond  is  to  land  in  England  with 
an  army  on  the  eighteenth  of  this  present  month. 
The  Knight — De  Shaunde,  methinks  they  called  him 
— comes  from  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  and  the 
two  monks  from  Lord  Stanley.  Stanley  declined  to 
fall  in  with  the  proposals  of  Buckingham  and  sent 
him  warning  to  withdraw  from  the  conspiracy  at 
once,  for  he  was  about  to  advise  the  King  of 
Richmond's  coming.  So  much  I  gathered,  sir,  from 
their  conversation,  though  I  cannot  repeat  their 
words." 

*'  How  long  have  they  been  gone  ?  " 


BACK  TO  THE  KING  255 

*'  Some  little  time,  sir.  They  rode  Southward 
together." 

De  Lacy  strode  to  the  front  door  and  flung  it 
open.  A  gust  of  wind  and  rain  drove  through,  ex- 
tinguishing the  torch  and  blowing  the  smouldering 
fire  on  the  hearth  into  a  flame.  Without  was  a 
sea  of  darkness  which  made  pursuit  impossible  and 
hopeless.  Clearly  there  was  naught  to  be  done  till 
daybreak,  and  with  an  imprecation  he  turned  away. 

Verily,  this  night  was  full  of  surprises.  First, 
Flat-Nose  ....  then,  Darby  .... 
and  now  a  rebellion,  with  Buckingham  traitor  and 
Stanley  true.  Matters  were  getting  complicated  and 
required  some  consideration.  Of  course,  his  first 
duty  was  to  the  King;  to  warn  him  of  this  invasion 
by  Richmond  and  the  insurrection  in  the  South.  It 
superseded  even  his  obligation  to  the  Countess ;  and 
with  the  dogged  faith  and  discipline  of  a  soldier  he 
accepted  the  situation  and  prepared  to  act  accord- 
ingly. 

Haste  was  essential;  and  as  two  could  make  more 
speed  to  Lincoln  than  a  dozen,  the  question  was 
whether  to  go  himself  or  to  dispatch  trusty  mes- 
sengers. Each  course  had  its  advantages  and  de- 
fects. If  he  went,  he  would  be  obliged  to  leave  Lord 
Darby  behind  and  trust  Dauvrey  to  bring  him  to 
the  King.  Not  to  go,  would  be  to  seem  lax  in  Rich- 
ard's service,  and  possibly  to  miss  the  opening 
moves  in  the  campaign,  which  must  necessarily  begin 
instantly  and  hurry  Southward,  and  in  which  he 


256  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

would  perforce  be  obliged  to  take  part  the  moment 
he  did  arrive.  For  well  he  foresaw  that  Richard 
would  have  no  time  to  devote  to  the  Countess'  affairs 
at  such  a  crisis.  The  business  of  the  individual, 
however  much  a  favorite,  must  needs  give  place  to 
a  struggle  for  a  Kingdom  and  a  Crown. 

Yet  he  was  loath  to  let  Darbj^  out  of  his  own  grasp 
and,  for  an  instant,  he  was  minded  to  stake  all  on 
one  throw.  He  was  firmly  persuaded  that  Darby 
could  disclose  the  Countess'  whereabouts,  if  she  were 
still  of  this  world.  Why  not  put  him  to  the  tor- 
ture and  wring  the  truth  from  him.''  Success  would 
excuse,  nay,  approve  such  measures.  .  .  .  But 
to  fail !  Mon  Dieu !  No ;  decidedly,  no !  It  would 
be  folly  pure  and  childish.  Only  the  long  strain 
and  his  stress  of  feeling  would  have  suggested  it. 
Then  he  thought  of  sending  Darby  to  Pontefract 
and,  on  the  authority  of  the  King's  ring,  place 
him  in  confinement  there  until  a  more  favorable 
period.  But  this,  too,  was  dismissed,  and  he  came 
back  to  the  original  problem:  whether  himself  to 
hurry  to  Lincoln  or  to  send  a  message. 

There  was  but  one  wise  choice,  however,  as  he 
had  appreciated  all  along,  though  he  had  fought 
against  it;  and  now  he  took  it  but  with  sore  reluc- 
tance. Wrapping  his  cloak  about  him,  he  motioned 
for  the  landlord  to  unbar  the  door  and  plunged 
out  into  the  storm.  In  the  face  of  the  gale  and 
pounding  rain,  through  mud  and  water,  he  presently 
regained  the  house  where  he  had  left  his  men. 


BACK  TO  THE  KING  257 

Drawing  the  squire  aside  he  related  the  host's 
story  and  his  own  purpose  of  hastening  on  to  warn 
the  King.  To  Dauvrey  he  gave  command  of  the 
party  and  full  instructions  as  to  the  custody  of  the 
prisoner  and  the  course  to  pursue  when  Lincoln  was 
reached.  Then  directing  that  one  of  the  men  be 
sent  to  the  inn  at  daybreak  to  attend  him,  he 
returned  once  more  to  his  lodgings  and  retired. 

Morning  brought  no  change  in  the  weather;  and 
when  he  rode  off,  at  the  first  touch  of  light,  the 
rain  was  still  falling  with  a  monotonous  regularity 
that  gave  small  hope  for  betterment. 

Save  a  shirt  of  Italian  steel,  worn  beneath  his 
doublet,  De  Lacy  was  without  armor,  only  a  thick 
cloak  being  thrown  over  his  ordinary  clothes.  It 
was  a  long  ride  to  Lincoln  ere  nightfall,  even  in 
the  best  of  weather;  but  to  make  it  now  was  possi- 
ble only  with  the  very  lightest  weight  in  the  sad- 
dle and  good  horse-flesh  between  the  knees.  No  one 
horse — not  even  Selim — could  do  the  journey  over 
such  roads  without  a  rest,  so  he  left  him  for  Dauvrey 
to  bring;  depending  upon  being  able  to  requisition 
fresh  mounts  from  the  royal  post  that  had  been  es- 
tablished lately  along  this  highway.  Nor  was  he 
disappointed.  The  Boar  and  his  own  name,  for  he 
was  known  now  throughout  England  as  one  high 
in  the  Household,  got  him  quick  service  and 
hearty  attention,  and  he  made  the  best  speed  pos- 
sible under  the  circumstances ;  though  it  was  often 

poor  enough  to  cause  him  to  grit  his  teeth  in  help- 
17 


«68  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

less  despair  and  anxiety.  League  after  league  was 
done  no  faster  than  a  walk ;  the  horse,  at  every  step, 
sinking  into  the  mud  far  above  fetlock,  and  coming 
to  the  relief  station  completely  exhausted.  And  all 
the  day  the  rain  poured  down  without  cessation,  and 
the  roads  grew  heavier  and  more  impassable  until 
they  were  little  else  than  running  streams  of  dirty 
water  pierced,  here  and  there,  by  the  crest  of  a  hill 
that  poked  its  head  out  like  a  submerged  mountain. 

But  through  it  all,  with  head  bent  low  on  his 
breast,  and  bonnet  pulled  far  down  over  his  eyes,  De 
Lacy  forged  ahead,  tarrying  only  long  enough  at 
the  stations  to  change  mounts. 

At  mid-day  half  the  distance  had  been  covered, 
and  as  evening  drew  near  they  crossed  the  Trent  and, 
presently,  were  out  of  Yorkshire.  Then  as  night 
closed  about  them,  the  lights  of  Lincoln  glimmered 
faint  in  the  fore,  and  shaking  up  the  tired  horses 
they  hastened  on.  And  at  last  the  castle  was 
reached ;  the  guards  at  the  outer  gate,  recognizing 
the  King's  Body-Knight,  saluted  and  fell  back ;  and 
with  a  sigh  of  relief,  De  Lacy  swung  down  from  his 
saddle,  the  long  ride  over  at  last. 

Just  within  the  corridor  he  came  upon  Sir  Ralph 
de  Wilton,  who  started  forward  in  surprise: 

"  By  all  the  Saints !  De  Lacy !  ....  But 
are  you  drowned  or  in  the  flesh  ?  " 

"  Both,  methinks.  Where  are  my  quarters — or 
have  none  been  assigned  me  ?  " 

"  Your  room  is  next  mine.     Come,  I  will  show 


BACK  TO  THE  KING  259 

the  way ;  for  by  my  faith,  you  need  a  change  of 
raiment;  you  are  mud  and  water  from  bonnet  to 
spur.  What  in  the  Devil's  name  sent  you  traveling 
on  such  a  night?  " 

"  The  King's  business,  Ralph ;  ask  me  no  more  at 
present His  Majesty  is  in  the  castle?  " 

"  Aye !  and  in  the  best  of  fettle,"  De  Wilton  an- 
swered good-naturedly.  "  Here  are  your  quarters : 
and  that  they  are  saved  for  you  shows  your  position 
in  the  Court.     The  place  is  crowded  to  the  roof." 

"  I  fancy  I  can  thank  you  rather  than  my  posi- 
tion— at  any  rate,  Ralph,  squire  me  out  of  these 
clothes ;  they  cling  like  Satan's  chains." 

"  I  would  I  could  cast  those  same  chains  off  as 
easily^"  De  Wilton  replied,  as  he  unlaced  the  rain- 
soaked  doublet  and  flung  it  on  the  couch.  "  Tell  me, 
Aymer,  did  you  find  aught  of    ....    of  her  ?  " 

"  No  and  yes,"  De  Lacy  answered,  after  a  silence. 
"  I  did  not  find  the  Countess  nor  any  trace  of  her ; 
but  I  saw  Flat-Nose." 

"The  Devil!    ....    And  took  him?  " 

De  Lacy  shook  his  head. 

"Killed  him?" 

"  Nor  that,  either — ^he  escaped  me." 

"  Damnation !  .  .  .  .  However  it  is  better 
than  that  he  die  with  tale  untold." 

"  That  is  my  only  consolation.  Yet  I  shall  kill 
him  whene'er  the  chance  be  given,  tale  or  no  tale." 

"  Where  did  you  see  the  knave  ?  " 

"  At  Sheffield — and  with  whom,  think  you?  " 


260  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  This  whole  matter  has  been  so  mysterious  I  can- 
not even  guess,"  said  De  Wilton. 

"  And  wide  would  you  go  of  the  clout  if  you 
did,"  De  Lacy  replied,  as  he  flung  a  short  gown 
about  his  shoulders  and  turned  toward  the  door.  "  It 
was  Lord  Darby." 

"  Darby !  Darby !  .  .  .  .  Mon  Dieu,  man ! 
are  you  quite  sure.'*  " 

Aymer  laughed  shortly. 

"  Methinks  I  am  quite  sure,"  he  said.  "  And  now 
I  must  away  to  the  King." 

"  So  you  have  come  back  to  us  at  last,"  said 
Richard  graciously,  as  De  Lacy  bent  knee ;  "  but  I 
fear  me,  without  your  lady." 

"  Aye,  Sire,  without  her.  It  is  3-our  business  that 
has  brought  me." 

"  Pardieu !  "  the  King  exclaimed ;  "  we  gave  you 
leave  indefinite.  Until  you  were  willing  to  abandon 
the  search  you  need  not  have  returned." 

*'  Your  Majesty  misunderstands.  No  vain  notion 
of  being  needed  here  has  brought  me;  but  danger 
to  your  crown  and  life — Buckingham  is  traitor — 
Richmond  lands  this  day  week  as  King." 

"  So !  St.  Paul !  So !  "  Richard  muttered,  gnaw- 
ing at  his  lower  lip.  '*  At  last  ....  at  last 
.     and  earlier  by  six  months  than   I  had 

thought Yet,  better  so ;  it  will  be  ended 

all  the  sooner Where  did  you  get 

this  news  and  how?" 


BACK  TO  THE  KING  261 

"  At  Sheffield,  last  night." 

"  Last  night ! — When  did  you  leave  Sheffield  ?  " 

"  At  daybreak.  The  rain  and  darkness  delayed 
me  until  then." 

"  By  St.  George !  plead  no  excuse.  It  was  an 
amazing  ride  in  such  weather." 

"  I  made  bold  to  use  the  post  horses ;  but  it  was 
heavy  labor  even  for  them." 

"  And  for  you  as  well,  my  good  De  Lacy.  This 
King  thanks  you — perchance  the  next  one  will  not," 
and  he  laughed  queerly. 

"  It  is  this  King  I  serve ;  not  the  next  one." 

"  I  believe  you,"  said  Richard,  putting  his  hand 
on  Aymer's  shoulder.    "  Now  let  me  hear  the  story." 

And  De  Lacy  told  it  in  the  fewest  words  he  could ; 
making  no  mention  of  Flat-Nose  or  Darby. 

For  a  while  Richard  sat  quiet,  pulling  at  his  chin. 

"  What  a  miserable  scoundrel  Stanley  is,"  he  said 
presently.  "  He  refuses  Stafford  because  he  scents 
failure  ahead ;  and  is  ready  to  make  capital  of  a 
trusting  friend  by  betraying  him  to  his  doom.  For 
well  he  sees  that  Buckingham  has  gone  too  far  to 
recede.  I  would  he  had  stood  with  them, — his  own 
scheming  Countess  and  Buckingham.  Then  I  could 
have  wiped  all  of  them  out  at  one  blow."  He  struck 
the  bell.  "  Summon  the  Master  of  Horse,"  he 
ordered. 

"  Ratcliffe,"  he  said,  when  the  latter  entered, 
"  Buckingham  revolts  on  the  eighteenth ;  Richmond 
lands  in  England  that  same  day.    Dispatch  instantly 


«62  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

to  the  Lord  Chancellor  for  the  great  seal,  and  have 
commissions  of  array  drawn.  Let  messengers  start 
with  the  sun  to  all  the  royal  domains  and  summon 
hither  every  man  who  can  wield  a  sword  or  draw  a 
bow.     What's  the  weather .''  " 

"  There  is  no  improvement,  my  liege." 

"  It  will,  of  a  surety,  have  rained  itself  out  by 
morning.  For  it  to  continue  means  a  slow  muster, 
and  the  time  is  all  too  short  as  it  is,"  the  King  said 
meditatively.  "  And  hark  you,  further,"  he  broke 
out  suddenly,  "  let  word  go  to  Lord  Stanley  at 
Lathom,  this  night  yet,  of  this  matter,  bidding  him 
instantly  gather  his  retainers  and  report  at  Not- 
tingham." 

Ratcliffe  hurried  away,  to  return  almost  instantly 
with  a  packet  which  he  gave  the  King. 

"  From  Stanley,"  he  said.  "  It  arrived  but  this 
moment." 

Richard  flashed  a  smile  across  to  De  Lacy. 

"  He  moves  quickly,  by  St.  Paul !  "  .  .  .  .  then 
with  a  touch  of  sarcasm :  "  Hold  a  bit,  Ratcliffe ;  per- 
chance our  news  may  be  a  trifle  old  in  Lathom."  He 
broke  the  seals  and  spread  the  parchment  under  the 
candles  on  the  table.     It  ran: 

**To  Our  Sovereign  Lord  the  King: 

"  It  has  come  to  us  that  Henry  Tudor,  styled  Earl  of 
Richmond,  intends  to  sail  with  an  army  from  St.  Malo,  on 
the  twelfth  day  coming  of  the  present  month,  and  will 
adventure  to  land  at  the  town  of  Plymouth  on  the  sixth  day 
thereafter,  there  and  then  to  proclaim  himself  King.  Ac- 
cording, will  we  muster  instantly  our  strength  and  proceed, 


BACK  TO  THE  KING  26S 

with  all  dispatch,  to  meet  Your  Majesty  at  Nottingham,  or 
wheresoever  it  may  be  we  are  commanded. 

"  Written  with  humble  allegiance  and  great  haste  at  our 
Castle  of  Lathom,  this  tenth  day  of  October, 

"  Stanley." 

"  It  will  be  unnecessary  to  advise  the  Lord  Stanley 
— he  has  already  learned  of  the  matter,"  said  Rich- 
ard— and  Ratcliffe  hurried  away.      He  passed  the 

letter  to  De  Lacy.     "  Read  it Now  you 

see  the  depth  and  foresight  of  this  man.  But  for 
your  chance  discovery  and  furious  ride  he  would 
have  been  the  first  to  warn  me  of  this  danger.  Note 
his  shrewdness :  he  does  not  mention  Buckingham,  but 
only  the  Tudor,  his  own  step-son;  and  hence  the 
greater  will  seem  his  loyalty.  And  by  St.  Paul !  he 
bests  me.  I  must  accept  his  message  at  its  seeming 
value;  for  he  will  now  follow  it  by  prompt  action. 
Yet  his  motive  is  as  plain  as  God's  sun:  he  would 
hasten  Buckingham  to  the  block,  and  himself  to  his 
dead  friend's  offices.  Well,  so  be  it.  When  I  can 
read  his  purposes  I  hold  him  half  disarmed.  He 
shall  be  Constable  of  England — ^have  the  title  with- 
out its  dangerous  powers.  The  higher  he  go  the 
further  the  fall  when  he  stumble,"  and  the  dagger 

went  down  into  its  sheath  with  a  click 

"  Pardieu,  De  Lacy !  it  would  seem  that  you  are  ever 
getting  into  my  confidences.  But  then  neither  do 
you  like  the  Stanley." 

"  So  little,  Sire,  that  I  shall  hope  to  see  that 
stumble." 


264  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  It  will  be  a  passing  grateful  sight  to  many 
another  also,  I  warrant."  Then  with  one  of  those 
quick  shifts  of  thought  characteristic  of  his  active 
mind :  "  Did  you  find  naught  of  the  Countess  of 
Clare  in  all  these  weeks?  " 

"  I  came  upon  a  clue  last  night,"  De  Lacy  an- 
swered. 

"  And  let  it  slip  to  hasten  hither  ?  " 

"  Not  exactly ;  the  clue  will  follow  me  here." 

"  Follow  you?    Explain." 

"  I  found  Flat-Nose  in  Sheffield." 

"  And  caught  him  ?  " 

"  Alas !  no ;  he  escaped  in  the  darkness,  but  we 
captured  his  companion.  He  is  the  clue  that  fol- 
lows." 

"  Was  there  anything  about  him  to  show  what  lord 
he  serves?  " 

*'  He  serves  Your  Majesty." 

"  What,  sir ! — Serves  me  ?  " 

Aymer  bowed.    "  It  is  Lord  Darby." 

The  King  raised  his  eyebrows  and  fell  to  strok- 
ing his  chin  again ;  then  arose  and  began  to  pace 
the  room. 

"  Pardieu,  man !  but  you  have  brought  a  bud- 
get of  surprises,"  he  said.  "  Are  you  sure  it  was 
Flat-Nose?    You  have  never  seen  him." 

"  He  fit  Sir  John  de  Bury's  words  as  the  glove 
the  hand — my  squire  was  as  convinced  as  myself." 

"  Give  me  the  full  details." 

The  King  listened  with  a  frown,  but  at  the  end  he 
made  no  comment. 


BACK  TO  THE  KING  265 

"  Let  Lord  Darby  be  brought  before  me  as  soon 
as  he  arrives,"  he  said  simply.  "  Meanwhile  you 
are  excused  from  attendance  till  the  morrow.     Good 

night By  St.  Paul !  this  Darby  business 

is  untimely,"  he  soliloquized.  "  He  has  some 
strength  in  Yorkshire,  and  it  will  be  unwise  to  es- 
trange it  at  this  crisis.  Yet  appearances  are  dark 
against  him,  and  if  he  have  no  adequate  explanation 

he  dies But  if  he  have  a  good  defence, 

why  not  accept  it  for  the  nonce  .^^  And  then,  after 
Buckingham  has  shot  his  foolish  bolt,  look  deeper 
into  the  matter Now  as  to  this  rebel- 
lion," resuming  his  walk  back  and  forth,  "  it  will 
require  six  days  for  the  seal  to  come  from  London. 
Therefore  to-morrow  shall  the  Commissioners  go 
North  and  East  with  an  order  under  my  own  seal, 
and  the  formal  authority  can  follow  after  them — 
they  can  levy  in  the  interval  and  muster  later." 
Pausing  at  the  window  he  swung  back  the  casement. 
"  Parbleu !  how  it  rains  ....  it  will  flood  every 
river  in  England  ....  and  it  will  fight  for  us. 
I  will  destroy  the  bridges  of  the  Severn;  Bucking- 
ham will  be  unable  to  pass;  his  juncture  with 
Richmond  and  the  Southern  rebels  will  be  pre- 
vented—  and  I  can  mass  my  strength  and  cut  them 
up  in  detail." 

Then  with  his  own  hand  he  wrote  the  orders  to  Sir 
Thomas  Vaughan,  Rice  ap  Thomas,  and  others  of 
the  royal  captains  and  trusty  Yorkist  adherents  in 
Wales  and  Shropshire ;  and  lastly  he  indited  a  proc- 


266  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

lamation,  wherein  Henry  Stafford  was  declared  a 
traitor,  and  a  reward  of  a  thousand  pounds  put 
upon  his  head.  These  finished,  and  confided  to  Rat- 
cliffe  for  forwarding,  Richard  sought  the  Queen's 
apartments  and  remained  in  converse  with  her  for 
an  hour,  but  said  never  a  word  of  the  occurrences  of 
the  evening  lest  they  disturb  her  night's  repose. 
It  would  be  time  enough  in  the  morning  for  her  to 
begin  again  the  old  fear  for  her  lord's  life — for 
his  crown  she  cared  not  a  whit. 


XX 

In  Abeyance 

And  on  the  morrow  there  was  great  stir  and 
bustle  and  preparation.  Those  lords  and  barons  in 
attendance  at  Court  who  were  from  the  vicinity 
went  off  to  gather  their  following;  and  those  from 
distant  parts  of  the  Kingdom  sent  commands  to 
their  constables  or  stewards  to  hasten  hither  their 
very  last  retainer  and  every  man  available  for  ser- 
vice with  the  King. 

About  noon  Richard  called  his  principal  officers 
together  in  council  to  consider  who  were  liable  to 
join  with  Buckingham  in  the  revolt.  That  he  had 
confederates  of  power  and  prestige  was  certain 
enough;  for  despite  his  oft-repeated  boast  that  as 
many  wore  the  Stafford  Knot  as  had  once  displayed 
the  Bear  and  Ragged-Staff  of  the  King-Maker,  and 
reckless  as  he  was,  yet  it  was  not  likely  he  would 
attempt  to  measure  himself  against  the  King — and 
that  King  the  great  Gloucester — without  substan- 
tial assistance  and  cooperation  of  others  of  the  No- 
bility. Nor  was  it  easy  to  fix  upon  these  confeder- 
ates. The  old,  pronounced  Lancastrian  lords  were 
either  dead  or  in  exile,  and  there  was  little  else  than 
general  family  relationship  or  former  family  affilia- 
tion, that  could  guide  the  judgment.    And  the  ses- 

267 


«6d  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

sion  was  long  and  tiresome  and  not  particularly 
satisfactory^,  for  of  all  the  names  gone  over,  only  the 
Marquis  of  Dorset  and  the  Courtneys  of  Exeter 
seemed  likely  traitors,  and  yet  it  was  very  certain 
there  must  be  many  more. 

As  De  Lacy  passed  into  the  antechamber  Lord 
Darby  came  forward  and  confronted  him. 

"  I  have  come  as  I  gave  parole,"  he  said  haugh- 
tily. "  It  is  now  withdrawn,  and  I  demand  that  you 
straightway  prefer  your  charge." 

"  So  be  it,"  said  De  Lacy,  and  bowed  him  into 
the  presence  of  the  King. 

Richard  eyed  Darby  with  searching  sternness,  as 
he  bent  knee  before  him,  nor  did  he  extend  his  hand 
for  the  usual  kiss;  and  his  voice  was  coldly  judicial 
as  without  pause  or  preliminary  he  began : 

"  We  are  informed,  Lord  Darby,  of  the  happen- 
ings last  night  in  the  town  of  Sheffield.  You  have 
demanded  to  be  brought  before  the  King  and  have 
refused  explanation  to  another.  Such  is  your  war- 
rant and  privilege  as  a  Peer  of  England.  You  are 
accused  by  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  with  being  concerned 
in  the  abduction  of  the  Countess  of  Clare.  Wliat 
have  you  to  answer  ?  " 

"  That  I  am  not  guilty.  Sire ;  and  I  defy  the  for- 
eign upstart  who  brings  the  accusation." 

The  King  frowned.  "  Be  so  good,  my  lord,  as  to 
answer  our  questions  without  recriminations,"  he 
said  sharply.     "  Then,  being  innocent,  will  you  ex- 


IN  ABEYANCE  269 

plain  how  it  was  that  you  were  in  conference  with 
the  fellow  known  as  '  Flat-Nose,'  who  was  the 
leader  of  the  abductors?" 

Lord  Darby  smiled  blandly. 

"  Naught  easier,  my  liege.  The  fellow  who  was 
with  me  at  the  house  in  Sheffield,  last  night,  was 
not  that   villain  but  my   own  chief  man-at-arms." 

"  Has   he   not    a    flat   nose    and "    De   Lacy 

broke  in ;  but  Richard  silenced  him  with  a  gesture. 

"  Describe  this  retainer  of  yours,"  he  ordered. 

"  He  is  stout  of  build  and  medium  in  height ;  his 
hair  is  red,  his  face  broad,  and  he  has  a  heavy  nose, 
so  broken  by  a  sword  hilt  that  it  might,  indeed,  be 
termed  flat,"  Darby  answered. 

"  How  long  has  he  been  in  your  service  ?  " 

"  For  years.  Sire — at  least  a  dozen." 

"  Where  was  he  on  the  day  and  evening  of  the 
abduction  ?  " 

"  The  day,  in  the  evening  of  which  I  understand 
the  Countess  disappeared,"  Darby  began  with  easy 
confidence,  "  I  rode  from  ray  castle  of  Roxford  in 
early  morning,  en  route  for  Pontefract  and  the 
Court.  This  under  officer  of  mine,  Simon  Gorges 
by  name,  who  has,  it  seems,  been  taken  for  the  villain 
called  Flat-Nose,  was  left  at  the  castle,  where  he 
remained  in  command  until  my  return  some  seven 
days  thereafter.  I  myself  lodged  at  the  Abbey  of 
Kirkstall,  that  night,  and  was  making  my  adieu  to 
the  Abbot,  the  next  morning,  when  this    .... 


«70  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

this  ....  Knight  " — indicating  De  Lacy 
by  a  motion  of  his  thumb — "  arrived  with  news  of 
the  outrage.  Then  I  hastened  to  Pontefract  and 
joined  in  the  search,  as  Your  Majesty  knows.** 

"  You  have  been  most  detailed  as  to  your  own 
movements  at  that  time,  but  very  meagre  as  to  those 
of  your  servant,'*  the  King  remarked  dryly.  "  You 
left  him,  you  say,  at  your  castle  on  the  morning  of 
the  abduction,  and  found  him  there,  a  week  later,  on 
your  return.  Bethink  you  that  is  any  proof  he  re- 
mained there  in  your  absence .''  *' 

"  It  is  very  true  there  is  a  wide  break  in  my  own 
observation,"  Darby  answered  with  instant  frank- 
ness ;  "  yet  I  know  absolutely  that  he  was  not  beyond 
my  own  domain  during  my  absence.  It  is  some 
queer  resemblance  betwixt  him  and  this  Flat-Nose. 
And  by  my  faith.  Sire,  broken  noses  and  red  hair 
are  not  such  a  rarity  that  Simon  Gorges  should  be 
the  only  one  to  possess  them.'* 

"  That  may  be ;  but  they  are  enough,  in  this  in- 
stance, to  put  that  same  Simon  Gorges  on  suspicion, 
and  quite  to  justify  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  in  arresting 
you  and  carrj'ing  you  hither ;  and  particularly  when 
you  scorned  to  offer  him  any  explanation.  For  you 
must  know,  my  lord,  he  wears  the  Ring  of  the  Boar, 
and  what  he  does  is  in  my  name.** 

"  Perchance,  I  was  hasty,  Sire,  but  I  did  not  know 
of  the  Ring ;  it  was  never  shown  me.  And  poor  in- 
deed were  the  manhood  that  would  not  resent  the 


IN  ABEYANCE  271 

manner  of  my  seizure — the  gyves  and  arrogant  ad- 
dress of  your  Body-Knight." 

"  Will  Your  Majesty  ask  Lord  Darby,"  Sir  Ay- 
mer  exclaimed,  "  why  this  flat-nosed  Simon  Gorges, 
as  quickly  as  he  saw  me,  sprang  from  the  window 
crying :  'De  Lacy !  De  Lacy ! '  and  fled  into  the 
darkness?  If  he  be  innocent,  wherefore  such  ac- 
tion? " 

"  You  hear,  my  lord?  "  said  Richard.  "  Can  you 
explain?  " 

"  That  I  cannot,"  Darby  replied.  "  Perchance, 
Gorges  has  had  trouble  some  time  with  Sir  Aymer 
de  Lacy  or  his  household ;  though,  of  course,  of  that 
I  know  nothing.  But  I  do  know.  Sire,  that  not  I  nor 
mine,  with  my  knowledge,  had  aught  to  do  with  the 
outrage  upon  De  Bury  and  the  Countess.  It  would 
be  most  humiliating  to  have  been  under  even  an 
instant's  suspicion  of  such  a  crime,  but  to  be  arrested 

and  arraigned  before  one's  King Bah ! 

it  is  deeper  degradation  than  words  can  sound,"  and 
he  folded  his  arms  and  stared,  vacantly  and  with 
drawn  face,  straight  before  him. 

"  It  is  the  misfortune  of  a  red-haired,  flat-nosed 
servant,  my  lord,"  said  Richard ;  "  best  give  him  his 
quittance  and  a  new  master.  Meanwhile,  be  not  so 
downcast. — I  accept  your  explanation." 

Lord  Darby  dropped  upon  his  knee,  and  now  the 
King  gave  him  his  hand. 

*'  We  will  put  your  gratitude  and  allegiance 
to     the     proof,"    he    said,     fixing    Darby's     eyes 


272  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

with  his  own  and  holding  them.  "  The  Duke  of 
Buckingham  and  the  Tudor  Henry  rise  in  rebelhon 
seven  days  hence.  We  need  an  array  within  tliat 
time.  Go,  collect  your  retainers,  and  join  me  with- 
out an  hour's  delay." 

"  Your  Majesty  is  very  gracious  to  make  but  my 
liege  service  the  earnest  of  my  faith  and  word.  I 
ride  for  Roxford  this  instant,"  and  with  a  graceful 
salute  to  the  King,  and  a  sneering  smile  at  De  Lacy 
he  left  the  apartment. 

Richard's  quick  change — after  his  searching  ques- 
tions and  stern  front — in  suddenly  accepting  Dar- 
by's assertion  of  innocence  and  dismissing  him 
with  honor,  came  to  De  Lacy  like  a  blow  in  the  face. 
Had  he  been  within  reach  when  Darby  flaunted 
him,  not  even  the  royal  presence  would  have  held 
his  arm.  As  it  was,  with  a  stiff  bow  he  was  with- 
drawing, when  Richard  laughed. 

"  Are  you  displeased.  Sir  Aymer.-'  "  he  said  kindly. 

"  It  is  not  for  me  to  question  the  conduct  of  the 
King,"  De  Lacy  answered  respectfully. 

"  You  are  surprised,  then .''  " 

"  Marry,  yes !  Sire ;  that  I  am." 

"  Only  because  you  have  never  had  to  study  men 
to  use  them.  It  is  not  Richard  Plantagenet's  wont 
to  discuss  his  decisions  with  another;  yet  in  this  in- 
stance, because  you  are  led  by  no  whit  of  selfishness 
but  solely  by  love  for  your  betrothed,  I  will  make 
exception.  Surely,  you  saw  there  was  no  evidence 
sufficient  to  condemn  Darby.     If  you  had  ever  seen 


IN  ABEYANCE  273 

this  Flat-Nose  it  would  have  been  another  matter. 
But  resemblances  are  not  conclusive ;  and  in  the  face 
of  his  explanation  and  absolute  denial,  the  case 
against  him  fell  for  want  of  proof.  Mark  me,  I  do 
not  say  that  he  is  innocent;  and  when  the  struggle 
with  Buckingham  is  over  we  will  go  deeper  into  this 
mystery." 

"  Then  Your  Majesty  has  not  sacrificed  the  Coun- 
tess of  Clare  for  Lord  Darby's  retainers  ?  "  De  Lacy 
asked  pointedly. 

Richard  smiled  good  naturedly. 

"  It  is  a  just  question,  Sir  Aymer,"  he  said;  "  yet 
be  assured  I  have  no  thought  to  sacrifice  Beatrix.  At 
this  exigency,  I  have  not  an  instant  to  devote  to 
aught  but  this  insurrection.  I  do  not  fear  Darby — 
though  he  would  desert  to  the  rebels  without  hesi- 
tation if  he  thought  it  would  advantage  him — but 
Stanley's  course  will  be  his  also — it  will  prove  to 
him  there  is  no  hope  for  the  Tudor.  Furthermore, 
assuming  that  this  Gorges  is  Flat-Nose,  he  has 
warned  those  in  charge  of  the  Countess — if,  as  God 
grant,  she  be  alive — and  to  imprison  or  to  kill  Darby 
would  be  simply  to  hang  more  awful  peril  over  her, 
and  aid  not  a  jot  the  finding  of  her  prison.  As 
it  is.  Darby  must  bring  this  Simon  Gorges  with  him, 
or  raise  fresh  suspicion  by  leaving  him  behind.  Yet 
he  has  two  chances  to  escape  even  if  he  be  guilty. 
Sir  John  de  Bury  Is  still  ill  at  Pontefract,  and  as 
he  alone  knows  Flat-Nose,  Darby  may  confidently 
produce  Gorges ;  and  then  have  him  removed  by  a 
18 


274.  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

chance  arrow  or  sword  thrust  during  the  coming 
campaign.  The  other  chance  hangs  upon  the  tri- 
umph of  Buckingham  and  Darby's  desertion  to  him 
at  the  critical  instant.  In  such  event,  he  can  frankly 
acknowledge  the  abducting  of  the  Countess  without 
fear  of  punishment  and  force  her  to  wed  him.  The 
Tudor  would  be  glad  enough  to  pay  the  debt  so 
cheaply." 

"  Perchance  Darby  may  force  the  fellow  to  con- 
fess that  he  alone  is  guilty,"  De  Lacy  suggested. 

"  A  man  is  not  so  ready  to  condemn  himself  to 
death,"  Richard  answered ;  "  and  to  confess  would 
necessitate  all  the  details,  and  in  the  maze  Darby 
could  not  escape  ensnarement." 

"  Might  it  not  have  been  well.  Sire,  to  detain  him 
and  dispatch  a  force  to  search  Roxford?  Many  a 
time  were  we  near  it,  but  then,  alas,  no  suspicion 
rested  upon  him." 

The  King  shook  his  head.  "  That  might  have 
been  proper  a  fortnight  since,  but  it  is  so  no  longer. 
Every  soldier  is  needed  with  the  army  now,  and  it 
would  require  a  goodly  force  to  reduce  Roxford,  if 
you  were  met  with  a  lifted  bridge ;  though  methinks 
you  would  be  received  most  courteously — and  find 
your  quarry  flown;  if  she  was  there,  Flat-Nose 
has  removed  her  since  the  adventure  at  Sheffield." 

"  Your  Majesty  is  right,"  said  Aymer;  "  I  crave 
pardon  for  my  ungrateful  doubt." 

"  Nay,  nay,  I  do  not  blame  you.  Only  remember, 
De  Lacy,  that  Richard  the  King  is  not  Richard  the 


IN  ABEYANCE  275 

man.  The  man  sympathizes  with  you  and  trusts 
you ;  but  he  must  be  the  King  to  do  you  service  and 

aid  your  quest Nay,  do  not  thank  me. 

When  we  have  crushed  Stafford  and  Tudor,  res- 
cued Beatrix,  and  you  are  Earl  of  Clare,  it  will  be 
time  enough  for  gratefulness." 


XXI 

Buckingham's  Revenge 

Three  weeks  from  that  day  Richard  Plantagcnet, 
with  his  army,  lay  at  Sahsbury;  the  rebelHon  of 
Buckingham  wholly  quelled  and  the  leaders  fugitives 
with  a  price  upon  their  heads. 

The  conspirators  had  perfected  well  their  plans 
and  at  the  same  hour  threw  off  the  mask.  On  the 
morning  of  the  eighteenth,  Sir  Thomas  St.  Leger 
— ^the  King's  own  brother-in-law — the  Marquis  of 
Dorset,  and  the  two  Courtneys,  proclaimed  Henry 
Tudor  in  Exeter;  Sir  John  Cheney  raised  the 
standard  of  revolt  in  Wiltshire;  Sir  William  Norris 
and  Sir  William  Stoner  in  Berkshire,  and  Sir  John 
Browne,  of  Bletchworth,  and  Sir  John  Fogge  in 
Kent.  Buckingham  with  all  his  force  marched  from 
Brecknock  and  set  out,  by  way  of  Weobley  and 
through  the  forest  of  Dean,  to  Gloucester,  there  to 
cross  the  Severn.  That  it  was  his  purpose  to  throw 
himself  in  Richard's  path,  and  risk  a  battle  without 
waiting  for  a  juncture  with  his  confederates,  is  alto- 
gether likely.  Stafford  was  ever  rash  and  foolish; 
and  never  more  so,  indeed,  than  in  this  present 
enterprise. 

But  whatever  his  intention  may  have  been,  it  was 
thwarted  by  the  visitation  of  a  power  more  potent 
276 


BUCKINGHAM'S  REVENGE  277 

than  all  the  hosts  of  the  King.  Nature,  herself, 
frowned  upon  him  and  his  schemes  and  swept  them 
all  to  ruin  in  the  rush  of  angry  waters.  The  rain 
that  began  the  day  Sir  Aymer  De  Lacy  made  his 
forced  ride  from  Sheffield  to  Lincoln  had  continued 
with  but  indifferent  diminution  for  the  whole  of  the 
following  week.  As  a  result,  the  greatest  flood  the 
West  of  England  ever  knew  poured  down  through 
the  Severn  and  its  tributaries,  destroying  fords  and 
bridges,  overwhelming  hamlets  and  villages,  and 
drowning  scores  upon  scores  of  the  inhabitants.  In 
the  face  of  this  hostile  manifestation  of  Providence, 
which  washed  out  ardor  and  bred  disaffection  and 
something  of  superstitious  terror,  as  it  held  them  fast 
behind  the  impassable  river,  Buckingham's  follow- 
ers began  to  waver ;  then  to  drop  away ;  and  finally, 
when  it  became  known  that  his  very  castle  of  Breck- 
nock had  been  seized  by  Sir  Thomas  Vaughan, 
and  that  almost  before  he  was  out  of  sight  of  its 
towers,  they  forsook  him  forthwith,  as  rats  a  sink- 
ing ship. 

All  these  matters  came  to  the  King  by  messen- 
gers from  time  to  time ;  for  he  had  paid  no  heed  to 
Buckingham,  but  had  hurried  Southward,  gather- 
ing his  forces  as  he  went.  His  strategy  was  to 
throw  himself  between  Stafford  and  his  confeder- 
ates ;  cut  the  latter  up  in  detail ;  and  then  hurl  him- 
self upon  the  Earl  of  Richmond  at  the  quickest 
possible  moment.  But  as  the  royal  army  advanced 
into  the  disaffected  districts,  the  revolt  faded  away 


878  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

like  fog  before  the  sun;  and  without  striking  a 
blow  or  laying  lance  in  rest,  it  marched  into 
Salisbury.  And  thus  it  was  that  when  the  Tudor 
arrived  off  Plymouth,  he  found  no  greeting  but  an 
adverse  wind  and  a  hostile  populace.  So  he  wore 
ship  and  turned  back  to  Brittany,  making  no  effort 
to  aid  those  who  had  proclaimed  him  at  risk  of  life 
and  fortune.     But  such  was  ever  Henry's  way. 

In  these  days  of  strain  and  striving  Sir  Aymer  de 
Lacy  had  few  hours  of  leisure.  He  who  was  of  the 
Third  Richard's  household  must  needs  keep  pace  with 
a  master  in  whose  slender  body  was  concentrated 
the  energy  of  many  men,  and  who  in  times  of  war 
never  rested  nor  grew  tired. 

The  Darby  episode  had  been  whispered  through 
the  Court;  and  speculation  was  rife  as  to  the  truth 
of  the  accusation.  Nor  was  it  set  at  rest  when  he 
overtook  the  army  without  the  flat-nosed  Simon 
Gorges  among  his  retainers.  The  King,  however, 
seemed  to  treat  him  as  though  the  matter  were  ended ; 
and  the  courtiers,  noting  it,  were  quick  to  trim  to 
the  royal  wind. 

Yet  on  the  very  night  of  Darby's  arrival,  had 
Richard  held  council  with  De  Lacy,  and  secret  in- 
struction had  gone  forth  to  keep  him  under  constant 
surveillance  and  on  no  account  whatever  to  permit 
him  to  separate  from  the  army. 

"  It  is  suspicious,  this  course  of  his,"  the  King 
said ;  **  but  for  the  present,  it  will  profit  nothing  to 
tax  him  with  it.    Let  him  think  himself  trusted ;  and 


BUCKINGHAM'S  REVENGE  279 

perchance  the  doings  of  the  next  few  weeks  may 
disclose  something  that  will  clear  our  path  of  doubt 
and  show  the  truth.  If  not,  then  shall  this  Gorges 
be  brought  before  Sir  John  de  Bury  and  in  our 
presence,  though  we  ride  to  Pontefract  for  the  pur- 
pose. Meanwhile,  do  you  avoid  his  lordship,  and 
permit  no  brawling  between  his  retainers  and  your 
own.  Ratcliffe  shall  caution  him,  also,  and  most 
peremptorily  in  this  particular.  Later,  if  he  be  ac- 
quittanced  of  the  crime,  you  may  settle  the  quarrel 
as  you  see  fit." 

And  while  there  had  been  sore  provocations  on 
both  sides,  for  each  went  as  near  the  line  of  open 
rupture  as  he  dared,  yet  when  Salisbury  was  reached, 
the  command  had  not  been  disregarded;  though 
it  was  very  evident  to  the  Household,  and  per- 
chance to  Richard,  too — for  he  missed  little  that 
went  on  about  him — that  at  the  first  skirmish  with 
the  rebels,  a  certain  private  feud  would  be  worked 
out  to  a  conclusion  wherein  but  one  of  the  partici- 
pants would  be  left  to  couch  lance  for  the  King. 

On  this  Sunday  morning,  De  Lacy  was  crossing 
the  courtyard  of  the  Blue  Boar  Inn  when  he  was 
attracted  by  a  shouting  and  evident  excitement 
toward  the  North  gate  of  the  town,  and  which  grew 
rapidly  nearer.  Then  up  the  street,  at  a  quick 
trot,  came  a  clump  of  spears  followed  by  a  mass 
of  soldiers,  camp  followers  and  citizens  on  a  run. 
All  were  brought  up  sharply  by  the  guards, 
stationed    a    hundred    yards     or    so    beyond     the 


«80  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

royal  lodgings;  but  after  a  short  parley,  the  horse- 
men were  permitted  to  pass.  The  device  on  the  ban- 
neret was  new  to  Aymer,  and,  knowing  it  belonged 
to  none  of  those  now  with  the  army,  and  curious 
as  to  what  could  have  attracted  the  rabble,  he  waited. 

Before  the  inn,  from  which  floated  the  royal  stand- 
ard, they  drew  up,  and  the  leader,  an  elderly 
Knight  of  heavy  countenance  and  rotund  frame 
who  carried  his  visor  up,  dismounted,  and,  saluting 
Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  whose  handsome  dress  evidenced 
his  condition  and  rank,  demanded  instant  audience 
with  the  King. 

"  His  Majesty  has  but  lately  returned  from 
Mass,"  said  De  Lacy ;  "  but  if  your  business  be  of 
immediate  importance,  I  wiU  announce  you." 

The  other  laughed  swaggeringly. 

"  I  am  Sir  Thomas  Mitten,  Sheriff  of  Shropshire," 
he  said ;  *'  and  methinks  my  business  is  of  most  im- 
mediate importance,  good  sir,  seeing  that  I  bring 
with  me  the  traitor,  Henry  Stafford." 

"  St.  Denis !  Buckingham  a  prisoner !  "  De  Lacy 
exclaimed. 

"  Yonder — among  my  men.  Think  you  not  I 
shall  be  welcome.''  " 

For  answer,  De  Lacy  turned  on  his  heel,  and,  leav- 
ing the  Sheriff  to  find  his  way  to  the  King  the  best 
he  could,  strode  over  to  the  horsemen.  Motioning 
them  peremptorily  aside,  he  extended  his  hand  to 
the  tall,  ruddy-haired  man  in  the  stained  and  torn 
velvet. 


BUCKINGHAM'S  REVENGE  281 

"  Believe  me,  Stafford,"  he  said,  "  it  is  a  sad  day 
to  me  that  sees  you  here.    I  hoped  you  had  escaped." 

A  spasm  of  anger  swept  over  the  Duke's  face; 
then  he  smiled  and  seizing  De  Lacy's  fingers  gripped 
them  hard. 

"  But  for  treachery  and  ingratitude  baser  than 
Hell's  deepest  damned  you  would  not  see  me  here," 
he  said.  "  And  it  is  a  brave  and  noble  heart  that 
beneath  the  Plantagenet's  very  eye  dares  show  open 
friendship  for  the  traitor  Buckingham.  God  knows 
it  is  sweet  after  my  life  lately;  yet  be  advised,  De 
Lacy,  it  is  dangerous  to  your  standing  and,  may- 
hap, your  liberty  as  well;  best  pass  me  by  on  the 
other  side." 

Aymer  made  a  gesture  of  dissent.  "  The  King 
trusts  me,"  he  said.     "  He  will  not  doubt  my  faith." 

Stafford  laughed  sarcastically.  "  Pardieu  !  has 
the  Devil  turned  saint  that  Gloucester  has  come  to 
trust  a  mortal  man !  At  least,  I  shall  soon  see  if  it 
has  changed  his  fierce  spirit,  for  here  is  Ratcliff'e  to 

lead  me  to  the  Presence Does  our  Cousin 

of  England  desire  our  company.  Sir  Richard.''  If 
so,  we  are  quite  ready  to  embrace  him." 

But  Ratcliff'e  was  not  one  to  do  his  present  duty 
with  levity  on  his  tongue,  and  he  bowed  with  stiff 
formality. 

"  Will  you  come  with  me,  my  lord?  "  he  said. 

"  Au  revoir,  De  Lacy,"  smiled  the  Duke.  "  Now, 
to  brave  the  Boar  in  his  lair  and  see  him  show  his 
tusks." 


282  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

And  with  an  air  of  easy  indifference,  this  man, 
for  whom  the  world  had  held  such  vast  possibilities 
if  he  had  but  known  how  to  attain  them,  went  to 
meet  his  doom.  For  that  his  life  was  forfeited 
Stafford  well  knew;  he  had  been  taken  in  arms 
against  the  King  and  death  would  be  his  portion. 

Yet  the  judgment  came  with  a  stern  swiftness 
that  startled  the  entire  Court;  and  within  the  very 
hour  that  Shropshire's  Sheriff  entered  Salisbury, 
was  the  scaffold  for  the  execution  being  put  in 
place  in  the  courtyard  of  the  inn. 

From  the  window  of  the  room  in  which  he  was 
confined,  Buckingham  idly  watched  the  work ;  and 
as  he  stood  there,  the  King  and  the  Duke  of  Norfolk 
came  forth  with  a  few  attendants  and  rode  gayly 
away. 

A  scowl  of  darkest  hatred  distorted  his  face,  and 
he  shook  his  fist  at  Richard — then  laughed;  and 
the  laugh  grew  into  a  sneer,  that  after  the 
features  were  composed  again  still  lingered  about  the 
mouth. 

"  It   was   well   for  the  Plantagenet   he  did   not 

grant    the    interview,"     he     muttered ;    "  else " 

From  within  his  doublet,  he  took  a  long  silver  comb, 
such  as  men  used  to  dress  their  flowing  hair  and 
of  which,  naturally,  he  had  not  been  deprived, 
and  touching  a  secret  spring,  drew  from  the  heavy 
rim  a  slender  dagger. 

"  It  is  a  pretty  bit  of  Italian  craft  and  methinks 
would  have  cut  sure  and  deep,"  he  mused.     He  felt 


BUCKINGHAM'S  REVENGE  283 

the  blade  and  tested  its  temper  by  bending  it  nigh 
double  .  .  .  .  "  Why  should  I  not  cheat 
yonder  scaffold  and  scorn  the  tyrant  to  the  end?  " 
then  with  calm  determination  re- 
turned it  to  its  sheath.  "  It  would  give  them  cause 
to  dub  me  coward,  and  to  say  I  would  have  weakened 
at  the  final  moment.    A  Stafford  dare  not  risk  it." 

He  turned  again  to  the  window — and  started 
forward  with  surprise.  "  Darby !  By  all  the  devils 
in  Hell !  Here,  with  the  King The  false- 
hearted scoundrel !  With  him,  at  least,  I  can  square 
off." 

He  struck  the  door  sharply;  it  opened  and 
Raynor  Royk  stepped  within  and  saluted. 

"  Will  you  deliver  a  message  for  me  ?  "  Bucking- 
ham asked,  offering  him  a  rose-noble. 

The  old  soldier  drew  back. 

"  I  am  not  for  sale,  Sir  Duke,"  he  said.  "  What 
is  the  message?  " 

"  For  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  my  good  fellow.  Tell 
him  I  pray  a  moment's  conversation  on  a  matter  of 
grave  importance." 

Without  a  word  Royk  faced  about  and  went 
pounding  down  the  passage. 

Presently  a  light,  quick  step  came  springing  up 
the  stairway,  and  De  Lacy  entered  and  closed  the 
door  behind  him. 

"  You  sent  for  me?  "  he  said. 

"  Aye,  Sir  Aymer,  and  I  thank  you  for  the  com- 
ing.  Tell  me,  when  did  Lord  Darby  join  the  King?  " 


284  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  About  a  week  since ;  though  he  left  us  at  Lin- 
coln on  the  seventeenth  to  gather  his  retainers." 

"  Bah !  I  might  have  known  it !  "  the  Duke  ex- 
claimed. "  It  was  he,  then,  that  betrayed  our  plans 
to  Richard.  God  in  Heaven,  that  I  might  have  him 
by  the  throat !  "  and  he  clinched  his  hands  in  fury. 

"Was  Darby  forewarned  of  your  revolt.?"  De 
Lacy  asked. 

"  Forewarned !  Forewarned  !  The  dog  helped  me 
arrange  and  mature  it.    He  swore  he  hated  Richard." 

"  Doubtless  he  did — and  does  so  still,  it  was  not  he 
who  betrayed  you." 

Stafford   stared   incredulously. . 

"  Then  how,  in  Satan's  name,  comes  he  here  now  ?  " 
he  demanded. 

"  I  can  answer  that  better  after  I  know  his  part 
with  you — may  I  send  for  Ratcliffe.'*  " 

"  As  you  wish,"  was  the  reply. 

That  the  Master  of  Horse  was  surprised  at  the 
summons  was  very  evident;  and  he  turned  to  De 
Lacy  questioningly. 

'*  The  Duke  has  certain  information  toucliing 
Lord  Darby  which  must  be  confided  to  some  one 
else  than  me,"  Sir  Aymer  explained. 

Ratcliif e  nodded.  "  Since  your  quarrel  with  Lord 
Darby  such  a  course  were  very  wise." 

"  I  know  nothing  of  Darby's  quarrel  with  Sir  Ay- 
mer de  Lacy,"  said  Stafford,  "  but  I  have  seen  him 
here  and  have  learned  that  he  joined  Richard  at 
Lincoln,  the  day  prior  to  that  set  for  the  revolt,  so 


BUCKINGHAM'S  REVENGE  285 

I  denounce  him  as  a  double  traitor — traitor  to  the 
King,  forsworn  to  me.  It  was  he — he  and  that 
hawk-faced  priest  Morton — who,  ere  we  left  Wind- 
sor and  on  all  the  march  to  Gloucester,  urged  and 
persuaded  me  to  turn  against  the  King.  He  visited 
me  at  Brecknock  to  arrange  details;  was  there  only 
four  days  before  he  deserted  me  at  Lincoln.  It  was 
he  who  was  to  lead  the  rising  in  West  Yorkshire. 
The  only  reward  he  asked  was  my  promise  for  the 
new  King  that  he  be  permitted  to  marry  the  Countess 
of  Clare." 

"  The  Countess  of  Clare !  "  De  Lacy  exclaimed. 

"  Yes — she  of  the  ruddy  locks  and  handsome  face 
and  figure.  He  said  they  loved  each  other,  but  that 
Richard  had  laughed  at  their  affection  and  their 
prayers  and  had  bade  her  prepare  to  marry  another. 
Consequently,  to  avoid  all  danger  of  her  being  forced 
into  the  nuptials  before  the  revolt,  they  had  arranged 
that  she  be  abducted  by  some  of  his  men,  and  then 
lie  concealed  in  his  castle  until  after  Richard  were 
deposed.  And  it  seems  they  did  effect  their  plan — 
at  least,  so  he  told  me  the  last  time  he  came  to 
Brecknock.  But  methinks  he  is  no  better  off  now,  so 
far  as  the  Countess  is  concerned." 

"  Rather  the  worse  off,  I  fancy,"  said  Ratcliffc. 
"  Two  months  since,  with  the  King's  approbation, 
the  Countess  of  Clare  became  the  affianced  bride  of 
Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy;  and  Lord  Darby's  tale,  as  to 
her  love  for  hnnself  and  Richard's  treatment  of 
them,  is  pure  falsehood'* 


286  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

The  Duke  looked  at  him  in  sharp  surprise;  then 
shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  Pasque  Dieu !  I  have  been  an  easy  dupe,"  he 
said.  "  A  child  in  intrigue  should  have  picked  the 
flaw  though  he  were  half  asleep.  Yet  it  was  a  pretty 
enough  story — a  loving  lady,  a  frowning  King,  a 
false  abduction And  all  a  lie." 

"  All  but  the  abduction — that  is  true  enough," 
said  Ratcliffe. 

Buckingham  frowned  slightly.  "  I  do  not  fol- 
low you,  my  lord.  Methought  3'ou  said  the  Coun- 
tess was  betrothed  to  Sir  Aymer." 

"  And  so  she  is — yet  she  has  been  abducted,  none 
the  less,  these  four  weeks  back,  and  no  trace  of 
her  been  found.  Now,  however,  you  have  furnished 
the  clue." 

"  Nay,  simply  confirmed  the  one  we  had,"  ex- 
claimed Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  who  from  sheer  fury 
had  been  too  choked  to  speak ;  "  and  I  have  done 
with  waiting — already  two  weeks  have  been  wasted. 
If  the  King  want  me  let  him  send  to  Roxford  Cas- 
tle."— His  hand  was  on  the  door  when  Ratcliffe, 
seized  his  arm. 

"  Compose  yourself,  De  Lacy,"  he  said  kindly  yet 
sternly.  "  Have  you  learned  Richard  so  little  as 
to  think  that  even  we  of  the  Ring  dare  disobey 
him?" 

"  Nor  forget,  Sir  Aymer,"  added  the  Duke 
quickly,  "  it  will  be  my  word  against  Lord  Darby's ; 
and  I  am  a  condemned  traitor Yet,  stay 


BUCKINGHAM'S  REVENGE  287 

a  moment,  there  is  one  other  knows  it.  The  Abbot 
of  Kirkstall  Abbey  was  in  Darby's  secret  and  en- 
gaged to  aid  his  scheme." 

De  Lac}^,  who  was  handling  his  drawn  dagger, 
suddenly  sent  it  deep  into  the  table  beside  him. 

"  We  seem  to  have  been  a  pair  of  fools,  Stafford !  " 
he  exclaimed.  "  The  very  morning  after  the  Coun- 
tess disappeared  I  found  those  two  villains  to- 
gether at  the  Abbey  yet  suspected  them  not  at  all." 
He  drew  out  the  dagger,  then  plunged  it  in  again. 
"  Well,  so  be  it.  I  shall  wait  until  the  King  has 
heard  your  story.  Then  I  go  North — with  his  per- 
mission, if  may  be;  without  it  if  I  must." 

"  It  will  be  a  triple  pleasure,"  said  the  Duke,  "  to 
revenge  myself  on  Darby  and  do  some  service  to  the 
Countess  and  to  you." 

"  With  your  permission,  my  lord,"  Ratcliffe  ob- 
served, "  Kendale  will  take  down  your  statement  and 

you  may  sign  it His  Majesty  will  not 

return  till  vespers." 

The  Duke  laughed  shortly.  "  Ere  which  time  I 
shall  be  sped,  you  mean.  Well,  summon  Kendale, 
and  that  promptly,  for  methinks  yon  scaffold  is 
about  ready  for  its  office." 

Word  for  word  the  King's  secretary  reduced  the 
narrative. 

"  Read   it,"   the  Duke  commanded   when   it   was 

done "Is  that  sufficiently  definite  and 

accurate?     ....     Then  let  me  sign  it." 

With  a  labored  flourish  he  attached  his  name  and 


288  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

sealed  it  with  his  ring.  RatclifFe  and  Kendale  duly 
attested  it;  and  sealing  it  again  over  the  outside 
edge  he  handed  it  to  De  Lacy : 

"  When    Darby   stands    against   you,"   he   said, 

"  strike  one  blow  for  the  dead  Buckingham 

Nay,  man,  take  it  not  so  to  heart ;  it  is  a  hazard  we 
all  must  play  some  time.  And  who  knows,  forsooth, 
but  that  in  the  cast  I  win  a  fairer  land  than  this  I 
leave  behind  ?  " 

*'  Aye,  perchance  it  is  we  who  lose,"  said  Ratcliffe 
thoughtfully. 

"  God  grant  it  be  so,*'  De  Lacy  added. 

"Amen!"  the  Duke  rejoined.  "For  then  some 
day  you,  too,  shall  win." 

From  below  came  the  measured  tramp  of  men ; 
and  though  the  window  was  closed,  the  murmurings 
and  mutterings  of  the  crowd  grew  noticeably  louder. 
The  pounding  of  hammers  had  ceased  and  in  its  place 
were  the  gruff  commands  as  the  soldiers  forced  the 
rabble  back  from  the  scaffold ;  followed  presently  by 
the  ring  of  grounded  halberds. 

The  Duke  of  Buckingham  walked  to  the  window 
and  opening  the  casement  looked  for  a  moment  into 
the  courtyard.  Then  as  the  tread  of  the  guard 
sounded  on  the  stairs,  he  turned  away  and,  shaking 
the  dust  from  his  cloak,  flung  it  about  his  shoulders. 

*'  Lead  on,  my  man,  I  am  ready,"  he  said  indif- 
ferently, as  Raynor  Royk,  death  warrant  in  hand, 
stepped  within.  "  No  need  to  read  it ;  I  know  its 
message Will  you  bear  me  company. 


BUCKINGHAM'S  REVENGE  289 

good  sirs?  "  he  asked  rather  as  one  who  invites  than 
requests.     "  I  promise  I  shall  not  detain  you  long." 

For  answer,  both  RatclifFe  and  De  Lacy  sprang 
forward  and  offered  him  their  arms.  The  Duke 
shook  his  head. 

"  You  are  most  fair  and  courteous,  but  I  must 
walk  alone — to  be  supported  would  give  ground  for 
evil  tongues  to  slur  upon  my  courage.  Your  simple 
presence  will  be  sustenance  enough." 

As  the  procession  of  death  came  out  into  the  court- 
yard, the  crowd  that  swayed  and  surged  behind  the 
men-at-arms,  went  quiet  ....  a  murmur 
gathered,  that  swelled  louder  and  still  louder,  until 
the  proud  figure  of  Buckingham  stepped  upon  the 
scaffold — then  it  ceased  abruptly,  and  a  heavy  still- 
ness came.  And  beside  the  block,  in  black  shirt  and 
hose  and  leaning  on  the  long  shaft  of  the  huge  axe, 
stood  the  masked  headsman,  motionless  and  grim. 

For  a  space  Stafford  glanced  carelessly  over  the 
crowd ;  then  lifted  his  eyes  toward  the  blue  above 
him,  as  though  fain  to  see  the  bourne  whither  he  was 
bound.  And  standing  so,  suddenly  a  smile  of  rarest 
beauty  broke  upon  his  face,  as  if,  in  truth,  a  flash  of 
immortal  vision  had  been  vouchsafed  of  the  Land 
beyond  the  sky. 

Even  the  stern,  prosaic  Ratcliffe  saw  it  thus ;  and 
in  awed  tones  whispered  to  De  Lacy,  "  He  has  had 
that  sight  of  Heaven  which  is  said  comes  sometimes 
to  those  about  to  die." 

And  the  Duke,  his  vision  passed,  yet  with  the  air 
19 


990  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

of  one  who  has  received  the  promise  of  content, 
turned  to  the  Bishop  of  Bath  and  dropping  on  one 
knee  bared  his  head  and  bent  it  for  the  extreme  ab- 
solution. At  the  end,  he  took  Ratcliffe  and  De 
Lacy  by  the  hand. 

"  You  have  been  friends  at  a  trying  time,"  he 
said,  "  and  I  thank  you  from  the  heart."  .... 
He  drew  a  chain  of  gold  from  within  his  doublet: 
"  Here,  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  is  my  George ;  do  you 
return  it  to  the  King — it  may  suggest  to  him  that 
you  should  take  my  place." 

**  You  are  very  thoughtful,  my  lord,"  De  Lacy 
answered  brokenly. 

"And  I  am  enjoined  by  the  King,"  said  Rat- 
cliffe, **  to  assure  you  that  your  domains  shall  not 
be  forfeited  or  your  Line  attainted." 

The  Duke  looked  at  the  Master  of  Horse  steadily 
for  a  moment. 

**  Verily,  Richard  is  a  mystery,"  he  said.  "  Is  he 
then  greedy  of  naught  save  power,  that  he  passes 
thus  my  lands  and  castles?  " 

'*  Methinks  there  are  many  who  misjudge  him," 
Ratcliffe  answered. 

*' Perchance!  Yet  my  judgment  is  of  small  im- 
port now.  Nathless,  I  thank  him  for  his  clem- 
ency and  consideration  toward  my  wife  and  son. 
And  touching  my  body,  I  trust  it  may  be  decently 
interred." 

"  It  will  be  laid  beside  your  ancestors ;  and  with 
every  ceremony  your  family  may  desire." 


BUCKINGHAM'S  REVENGE  291 

"  Truly,  this  death  is  not  so  hard,"  Stafford  said, 
with  a  bit  of  a  laugh.  "  You  have  just  robbed  it  of 
its  only  terrors.  Farewell,  my  friends,  farewell !  " — 
And  again  he  took  their  hands. 

Turning  to  the  headsman,  who  had  stood  motion- 
less the  while,  he  ran  his  eyes  over  the  stalwart 
figure. 

"  Have  you  been  long  at  the  trade,  fellow.?  "  he 
asked. 

"  These  two  and  twenty  years,"  came  from  behind 
the  mask,  though  the  man  moved  not  at  all. 

"  Then  you  should  have  learned  to  strike 
straight." 

"  Never  but  once  did  I  miss  my  aim,"  was  the 
grim  reply. 

"  Well,  make  not,  I  pray  you,  a  second  miss  with 
me." 

Calmly  as  though  preparing  for  his  couch  and  a 
night's  repose,  he  unlaced  his  doublet  and  took  it 
off;  and  laying  back  his  placard,  nodded  to  the 
executioner. 

The  sombre  figure  came  suddenly  to  life,  and 
drawing  from  his  girdle  a  pair  of  heavy  shears  he 
swiftly  cropped  the  Duke's  long  hair  where  it  hung 
below  the  neck — then  stepped  back  and  waited. 

"  Are  you  ready  ?  "  Buckingham  asked. 

The  man  nodded  and  resumed  his  axe. 

With  a  smile  on  his  lips  and  with  all  the  proud 
dignity  of  his  great  House,  Stafford  walked  to  the 
block  and  laid  his  head  upon  it. 


292  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Strike !  "  he  said  sharply. 

The  executioner  swung  the  axe  aloft  and  brought 
it  slowly  down,  staying  it  just  ere  the  edge  touched 
the  flesh.  There,  for  an  instant,  he  held  it,  measur- 
ing his  distance,  while  the  sunlight  flashed  along  its 
polished  face.  Suddenly  it  rose  again,  and 
sweeping  in  a  wide  circle  of  shimmering  steel  fell 
with  the  speed  of  a  thunder-bolt. 

And  at  that  very  instant,  from  the  camp  beyond 
the  town,  came  the  music  of  the  trumpets  sounding 
the  fanfare  of  the  King. 


XXII 

The  Knight  and  the  Abbot 

When  the  King  returned,  Sir  John  Kendale  with 
Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  hastened  to  place  in  his  hands 
the  letter  containing  Buckingham's  statement,  at 
the  same  time  detailing  the  circumstances  under 
which  it  was  made. 

Richard  read  it  very  carefully,  and  handed  it 
back  to  Kendale. 

"  So !  "  he  said.  "  Out  of  the  revolt  comes  the 
solution  of  the  mystery,  even  as  I  thought.  Now, 
De  Lacy,  you  see  it  was  wise  not  to  arrest  Darby  at 
Lincoln." 

"  Aye,  Sire,  you  were  right — and  I  fancy  it  is  no 
wiser  to  arrest  him  now." 

*'  Not  unless  you  would  have  the  Countess  hur- 
ried to  a  fresh  prison — or  perchance  put  away  alto- 
gether— ere  you  could  hope  to  reach  her.  For  be 
assured.  Darby  has  provided  that  instant  informa- 
tion be  forwarded  if  he  be  seized." 

"  Then  all  I  ask  is  permission  to  return  forth- 
with to  Yorkshire,"  said  De  Lacy. 

"  It  is  granted,"  the  King  replied  instantly. 
"  Take  with  you  a  few  men-at-arms  and  Raynor 
Royk ;  he  knows  the  country  as  a  priest  his  prayers. 
As  mauiy  more  as  you  may  need  draw  from  Ponte- 

293 


294  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

fract  or  any  of  our  castles — the  Ring  will  be  your 
warrant.  Depart  quietly  and  it  can  be  given  out 
that  you  are  on  our  special  service.  Meanwhile 
Darby  shall  be  as  much  a  prisoner  as  though 
he  were  already  in  the  Tower.  We  march  for  Exeter 
to-morrow ;  and  after  things  grow  quiet  thereabouts, 
and  a  head  or  two  more  has  fallen,  we  shall  fare  back 
to  London.  There  I  trust  you  will  bring,  ere  long, 
the  Lady  of  Clare." 

An  hour  later  Sir  Aymer  De  Lacy  and  Giles 
Dauvrey,  with  Raynor  Royk  and  four  sturdy  men- 
at-arms,  rode  out  of  Salisbury  and  headed  West- 
ward. But  after  a  league  or  so  they  turned  abruptly 
to  the  right  and  circling  around  gained  the  main 
road  to  the  North  at  a  safe  distance  from  the  town 
and  bore  away  toward  Yorkshire. 

Had  De  Lacy  responded  to  the  eagerness  in  his 
heart  he  would  have  raced  all  the  way,  nor  drawn 
rein  save  to  take  refreshment.  But  no  horse  nor 
pair  of  horses  ever  foaled  could  go  the  length  of 
England  at  a  gallop,  and  there  were  none  worth  the 
having  to  be  obtained  along  the  way :  the  army  had 
swept  the  country  clean  of  them  as  it  marched  South- 
ward. And  so  the  pace  was  grave  and  easy ;  and 
though  Aymer  fretted  and  fumed  and  grew  more  im- 
patient as  the  end  drew  nearer,  yet  he  never  thought 
to  hasten  their  speed ;  knowing  that  by  going  slowly 
they  were,  in  fact,  going  fast.  But  at  length,  and 
in  due  season,  the  huge  towers  of  Pontef ract  frowned 
against  the  sky  line;  and  presently  at  the  name  of 


THE  KNIGHT  AND  THE  ABBOT    295 

De  Lacy,  the  drawbridge  fell  and  they  crossed  into 
the  courtyard. 

In  the  small  room,  where  first  he  saw  the  Duke  of 
Gloucester,  De  Lacy  found  Sir  John  de  Bury.  The 
old  Knight  was  slow  to  rally  from  his  wound;  and 
being  scarcely  convalescent  when  Richard  drew  in 
his  forces,  he  had  been  left  in  command  of  Pontef ract 
in  place  of  Sir  Robert  Wallingford,  who  went  with 
the  King.  But  lately  his  strength  was  coming  back 
to  him  with  swift  pulsations  and  he  was  growing 
irritably  impatient  of  his  forced  inactivity  and  of 
the  obligation  of  office  which  held  him  stagnant  while 
his  sovereign  rode  to  the  wars.  For  as  yet,  no  news 
had  reached  this  distant  section  of  the  actual  hap- 
penings in  the  South  and  the  bloodless  collapse  of  the 
rebellion. 

"  Holy  St.  Luke !  has  Richard  been  defeated ! " 
De  Bury  exclaimed,  springing  to  his  feet. 

"  Buckingham  is  dead  and  Tudor  back  in  Brit- 
tany," Aymer  answered. 

"  Parbleu  !    Stafford  dead !  " 

"  Aye — on  the  block  at  Salisbury  on  All-Souls- 
Day." 

"On  the  block.?  ....  Poor  fool!  .  .  .  . 
Poor  fool !  .  .  .  .  Come,  tell  me  about  it.  But 
first,  what  brings  you  hither  now.'*  " 

"  The  Countess  of  Clare." 

"  Beatrix !    You  have  found  her?  "  De  Bury  cried. 

"  No — not  her ;  but  her  abductor." 

"  And  he  is  hereabouts  ?  " 


«96  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

De  Lacy  shook  his  head.    "  He  is  with  the  army." 

"  Then  in  God's  Name,  why  are  you  at  Ponte- 
fract.?" 

"  Easy,  Sir  John,  easy,"  Aymer  answered,  his 
hand  on  the  other's  shoulder.  "  Do  3'ou  think  I 
would  be  in  Yorkshire  if  Beatrix  were  not  there, 
also?  " — and  forthwith  he  plunged  into  a  narrative 
of  the  events  from  his  encounter  with  Darby  at 
Sheffield  to  the  death  of  Buckingham. 

"  A  pretty  scheme  of  Darby's,  truly,"  Sir  John 
commented ;  "  and  the  dog  has  played  it  well.  He 
has  nerve  uncommon  so  to  brave  the  royal  Richard 
in  his  very  Court.  It  is  well  for  3'ou  there  was  no 
battle,  or  onfall  even,  else  would  you  have  got  an 

arrow  or  a  sword  thrust  from  behind 

Now  as  to  Beatrix;  is  she  at  Roxford?  " 

"  There  or  at  Kirkstall  Abbey." 

"  True  enough ;  and  a  most  likely  place  to  con- 
ceal her  the  instant  Darby  was  suspected." 

De  Lacy  took  a  quick  turn  up  and  down  the  room. 
"  God  in  Heaven,  Sir  John !  has  Beatrix  come 
through  this  without  injury  or  insult.''  " 

"What!  What!  Injury  or  insult !  They  would 
not  dare !  "  De  Bur}'  cried  passionately. 

"  They  have  dared  to  seize  and  hold  her  prisoner 
— would  they  would  dare  no  more." 

The  old  Knight  sank  back  into  his  chair  and  cov- 
ered his  face  with  his  hands "  The  heir- 
ess of  the  Clares — the  favorite  of  the  Queen 

They  would  not  dare. — Yet  if  they  have " 


THE  KNIGHT  AND  THE  ABBOT    297 

"  Beatrix  will  be  dead,"  said  De  Lacy,  "  and 
naught  left  for  me  but  vengeance." 

"  Aye !  she  was  ever  a  brave  lass  and  would  kill 
herself  without  a  whit  of  hesitation.  Nathless,  the 
rescue  or  the  vengeance  is  for  me,  also — I  ride  with 
you  to-morrow .''  " 

"  But  are  you  strong  enough  to  risk  it  ?  " 

"  By  St.  Luke !  strong  enough  to  ride  to  Land's 
End  if  need  be  to  strike  a  blow  for  Beatrix," — 
smiting  the  table  with  his  fist. 

"  Then  together  be  it,  and  welcome.  Here  is  to 
the  Countess  and  her  rescue  ere  the  morrow's  sun 
go  down !  "  and  he  filled  two  goblets  with  wine. 

"  And  death  and  confusion  to  her  captors,"  Sir 
John  echoed,  raising  high  his  glass. 

Clad  in  full  mail  and  followed  by  threescore  men- 
at-arms  and  as  many  archers  the  two  Knights  set  out 
from  Pontefract  the  following  morning.  After  due 
discussion  they  had  determined  that  the  time  for 
cautious  indirection  was  passed  and  that  there  would 
be  no  quibbling  with  the  Abbot  of  Kirkstall.  He 
would  be  called  upon  to  produce  the  Countess  or  to 
disclose  where  she  was  hidden,  as  well  as  to  confess 
all  that  he  knew  concerning  the  abduction.  They 
were  not  in  a  mood  to  argue  or  to  be  trifled  with ;  and 
ill  would  it  be  for  Aldam  if  he  tried  evasion  or  grew 
stubborn. 

And  that  they  came  in  spirit  scarce  pacific  was  de- 
clared by  their  first  act  when  the  Abbey  was  reached. 


298  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

With  the  haft  of  his  battle-axe  De  Lacy  struck  the 
outer  gate  a  resounding  blow ;  and  getting  no  prompt 
response,  followed  it  with  a  second  that  rang 
among  the  buildings  and  corridors  within.  Straight- 
way there  came  the  shuffle  of  sandaled  feet  and  a 
fumbling  at  the  wicket,  which  opening  slowly,  dis- 
closed the  rotund  face  and  heavy,  sleepy  eyes  of 
Father  Ambrose. 

"  Well !  what  means  this  unseemly  bluster  ?  "  he 

began "  Your  lordships'  pardon — I  will 

open  instantly,"  and  hurried  to  remove  the  bars. 

"  We  seek  speech  with  the  Lord  Abbot,"  said  De 
Lacy,  halting  beside  the  lodge,  while  the  soldiers 
filed  into  the  courtyard  and  drew  into  line  at  the 
farther  side. 

The  monk  watched  this  proceeding  with  blank  sur- 
prise. 

*'  Hear  you  not  ?  "  Aymer  demanded  sharply,  let- 
ting his  mailed  hand  fall  heavily  on  the  other's 
shoulder.    "  We  seek  the  Abbot." 

Father  Ambrose  shrank  back  in  amaze  at  the 
tones  and  action. 

"  His  reverence  is  engaged  at  present  in  a  session 
of  the  Chapter,"  he  faltered. 

"  Good — ^we  will  interrogate  him  there,"  Aymer 
answered;  and  Sir  John  and  he  galloped  across 
to  the  church  and  dismounted. 

In  the  Chapter-house,  the  brothers,  both  ecclesias- 
tical and  lay,  were  assembled  in  convocation.  On 
the  dais,  in  the  recess  at  one  side  of  the  hall,  sat  the 


THE  KNIGHT  AND  THE  ABBOT    299 

Abbot  in  his  great  carved  chair  of  state.  He  was 
leaning  slightly  forward,  chin  on  hand,  regarding 
with  calm  and  critical  scrutiny  the  faces  of  the  white- 
robed  throng  below  him.  And  the  monks,  crowded 
on  their  narrow  oaken  benches,  felt  the  stern  eyes 
upon  them  and  grew  restless ;  for  none  knew  how 
soon  he  might  be  called  forward  for  rebuke  before 
them  all.  And  Aldam  did  not  spare  words  when  he 
administered  his  corrections ;  and  not  one  of  the  Cis- 
tercians but  would  have  chosen  the  heaviest  task  of 
the  fields  for  four  and  twenty  hours  in  preference 
to  a  single  minute's  lashing  by  his  biting  tongue. 

On  the  Abbot's  right  was  Father  James,  the  Prior, 
whose  jolly  face  and  ample  girth  were  equalled  only 
by  the  Sub-prior,  Father  Albert,  the  favorite  of  all 
the  Abbey,  who  permittted  the  monks  to  do  their 
own  sweet  wills  so  long  as  it  did  not  interfere  with 
the  necessary  labors  of  the  farms  and  religious 
ceremonies. 

"  Let  the  names  of  the  candidates  for  admission 
to  full  brotherhood  in  our  holy  Order  be  read,"  the 
Abbot  ordered. 

The  Chancellor  stepped  forward  and  with  much 
rattle  of  parchment  opened  the  roll  and  cleared  his 
throat  preparatory  to  intoning.  But  he  got  no 
further.  The  religious  calm  was  rudely  broken  by 
the  clash  of  steel  on  the  bare  pavement  of  the  ante- 
chamber, and  as  Aldam  raised  his  head  in  angry 
surprise  the  door  was  flung  back  and  the  two 
Knights,  visors  up,  strode  down  the  aisle. 


300  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Instantly  there  was  confusion;  the  monks,  like 
timid  children,  drew  far  away  from  these  impious 
invaders  of  their  peaccf  ulness ;  some  made  as  though 
to  flee;  and  all  broke  out  into  cries  of  alarm  and 
terror. 

The  Abbot  sprang  to  his  feet,  his  eyes  flashing,  his 
face  pale  with  suppressed  ire. 

"  Silence !  "  he  thundered.  "  Return  this  instant 
to  your  seats,  you  fearful  ones ! " 

The  brothers  huddled  back  into  their  places,  trem- 
bling. There  was  for  them  small  choice  between  the 
anger  of  their  ruler  and  the  armed  men  in  their 
midst. 

"  Truly  this  is  strange  conduct  for  Sir  John  de 
Bury  and  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,"  the  Abbot  exclaimed 
as  they  halted  before  the  dais.  "  Since  when,  pray, 
has  it  been  deemed  knightly  to  off*er  such  aff'ront  to 
Holy  Church?" 

"  Since  a  mitred  Abbot  of  Holy  Church  has 
shamed  his  sacred  office,"  De  Lacy  answered  curtly. 

"  What,  sirs  !  "  Aldam  cried.  "  Do  you  dare 
insult  the  Abbot  of  Kirkstall,  here  in  his  very  chap- 
ter, and  hope  to  go  unpunished  either  in  this  world 
or  the  next  ?  " 

Aymer  folded  his  arms  over  the  shaft  of  his  bat- 
tle axe  and  laughed  grimly. 

"  In  this  world  methinks  small  need  have  we  to  fear 
your  reverence;  and  as  for  the  next  world  we  will 
chance  it.  But  be  advised :  tax  us  not  with  threats ; 
our  patience  is  likely  to  be  short." 


THE  KNIGHT  AND  THE  ABBOT     301 

"  And  ours  is  gone  entirely — do  you,  Sir  John 
de  Bury,  approve  this  rash  youth's  sacrilege?  " 

"  Aye,  that  I  do,"  De  Bury  answered,  his  face 
set  as  stone. 

"  Are  you  both  mad?  "  the  Abbot  exclaimed. 

"  Yea,  that  we  are,"  replied  De  Lacy.  "  Mad 
with  anger  and  resentment.     Can  you  guess  why  ?  " 

The  monk  made  no  answer  save  a  sneer. 

"  Listen,  and  you  and  your  underlings  shall  hear: 
One  evening  a  month  or  so  aback — your  memory, 
good  father,  will  serve  you  whether  it  was  one,  or 
two,  or  three — a  certain  demoiselle  styled  Countess 
of  Clare,  Maid  to  Her  Majesty,  the  Queen  of  Eng- 
land, while  near  the  Hermit's  Cell  in  the  escort  of 
Sir  John  de  Bury,  her  uncle  and  guardian,  was 
waylaid  and  by  force  and  violence  seized  upon  and 
carried  off.  And  though  there  was  hue  and  cry 
and  searchings  without  rest,  yet  it  was  unavailing." 

"  Certes,  we  know  all  these  matters,"  Aldam  broke 
in  angrily. 

"  Yes,  you  know  them — and  much  more." 

The  Cistercian's  face  changed  its  expression  not  a 
whit. 

"  Are  you  aware,  my  lord  Abbot,  that  the  Duke 
of  Buckingham  has  died  upon  the  block?  "  De  Lacy 
questioned. 

Aldam  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  It  was  scarce 
Stafford's  death  that  brought  you  to  Kirkstall,"  he 
scoffed. 

Aymer   laughed     derisively.       "  Think    you    so? 


302  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Then  are  you  mistaken  woefully.  But  for  it  I  would 
be  at  Salisbury  and  your  foul  crime  still  unsus- 
pected." 

"  Now  has  patience  run  its  limit ! "  the  Abbot 
exclaimed.  "  Brothers  of  Benedict !  throw  me  these 
two  godless  ones  without  the  gates."  And  seizing 
the  huge  chair  beside  him,  with  strength  astonishing 
in  one  so  slender,  he  whirled  it  high  and  brought 
it  down  at  Dc  Lacy's  head. 

But  the  Knight  sprang  lightly  aside,  and  the 
heavy  missile,  tearing  itself  by  sheer  weight  from 
the  priest's  fingers,  crashed  upon  the  pavement  and 
broke  asunder. 

If  there  had  been  any  possibility  of  help  from  his 
frightened  flock  it  was  ended  by  this  ill-timed  blow. 
The  Prior  and  his  fellows  on  the  dais  made  not  a 
single  motion ;  and  save  for  an  excited  swaying  and 
whispering,  the  monks  sat  stolid  on  their  benches, 
either  too  frightened  to  flee  or  too  indiff'erent  to  the 
Abbot's  safety  to  care  to  aid  him.  For  once  had 
the  habit  of  trembling  obedience,  yoked  upon  them 
by  years  of  stern  domination,  been  loosed  by  the 
spirit  of  fear  or  the  hope  of  release. 

And  with  a  sneer  of  disgust  on  his  face  he  sur- 
veyed them ;  and  the  scorn  in  his  voice  must  have 
shamed  them  to  the  floor  had  they  been  of  the  blood 
of  such  as  feel  disgrace. 

*'  You  cowardly  curs !  "  he  exclaimed ;  *'  have  you 
no  spark  of  manhood  left  among  you  ?  " 

"  Perchance  they,   in   their   turn,   can   dub   you 


THE  KNIGHT  AND  THE  ABBOT    303 

cur,"  said  De  Lacy  tersely,  springing  on  the  dais  and 
taking  hold  upon  the  Abbot's  arm ;  "  for  here,  on 
the  dying  word  of  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  do  I 
accuse  you  of  complicity  in  the  abduction  of  the 
Countess  of  Clare." 

Aldam  shook  off  the  mailed  fingers. 

"What!  What!"  he  cried.  "Would  you  lay 
hands  in  violence  upon  one  of  God's  anointed.'* 
.  .  .  .  Stand  back,  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  .... 
and  you,  too,  Sir  John  de  Bury,  lest  I  smite  you 
both  with  the  Church's  anathema." 

A  gasp  of  horror  came  from  the  monks,  and 
even  the  two  Priors  were  appalled  at  the  threat — 
dire  enough,  indeed,  to  most  men  in  that  age,  but  lit- 
tle short  of  Hell  itself  to  such  as  were  cloister-bred. 

De  Lacy  folded  his  arms  again  over  his  battle- 
axe. 

"  It  was  no  purpose  nor  intent  of  mine,"  he  said, 
"  to  offer  you  violence " 

"  Nathless,  it  was  done,"  the  Abbot  broke  in 
arrogantly,  "  and  naught  but  sharp  penance  can 
atone  for  it  and  for  your  deeds  here  this  day." 

De  Lacy  smiled  contemptuously.  "  Methinks, 
lord  Abbot,  you  are  strangely  dull  of  brain  to 
fancy  you  can  fright  us  so.  Believe  me,  we  care  as 
little  for  your  curse  as  for  your  broken  chair.  Nor 
did  I  speak  in  apology  for  my  action.  I  meant  no 
violence  then ;  yet  if  we  do  not  get  true  answer  to 
our  questions,  be  assured  there  shall  be  violence  both 
meant  and  done." 


304  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

The  monks  groaned  aloud;  but  the  Abbot  only 
shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  You  have  heard,"  De  Lacj  went  on  with  steady 
menace ;  "  and  do  not  think  it  is  an  idle  boast.  An- 
swer! have  you  the  Countess  of  Clare  within  the 
bounds  of  Kirkstall  Abbey .?  " 

Aldam  raised  his  hand  in  seeming  horror.  "  Think 
you  that  the  monks  of  Benedict ?  "  he  began. 

"  Answer !  "  cried  Aymer,  striking  the  arm  of 
the  Prior's  chair  with  his  mailed  fist  so  fiercely  that 
its  stout  occupant,  in  sudden  terror,  fled  to  the  rear 
of  the  dais. 

Instantly  the  Abbot  seated  himself  in  the  vacant 
place. 

"  I  frighten  not  so  easily  as  the  timid  Brother 
James,"  he  said.  "  But  as  the  lady  is  not  with 
us,  you  are  welcome  to  that  knowledge." 

"  Where  is  she,  then .''  " 

The  Cistercian  leaned  back  and  stared  De  Lacy 
in  the  face.     "  If  I  knew  I  would  not  tell  you." 

"  You  do  know — and  either  you  tell  or  you  hang 
from  your  own  gate  beam." 

Aldam  half  arose  from  his  chair;  then  dropped 
back  and  laughed. 

"  You  would  not  dare,"  he  said ;  "  and  were  I  the 
abductor  himself." 

De  Lacy  faced  toward  the  door. 

"  What  ho !    Without !  "  he  called. 

A  score  of  men-at-arms  burst  into  the  room  with 
drawn  swords.     The  monks  set  up  a  fresh  cry  of 


THE  KNIGHT  AND  THE  ABBOT    305 

terror  and  fell  to  chanting  prayers,  and  Father  Al- 
fred and  the  Chancellor  sought  refuge  in  the  shadow 
with  the  Prior.  But  the  Abbot  never  stirred  in  his 
seat,  save  to  shift  his  gaze  to  the  fresh  disturbers  of 
his  authority. 

At  a  sign  from  De  Lacy,  the  soldiers  sheathed 
their  weapons  and  fell  into  double  rank  near  the 
door,  while  Raynor  Royk  advanced  to  the  dais  and 
saluted.  Then  the  Knight  turned  again  to  the 
Abbot. 

"  We  shall  search  this  Abbey  from  loft  to  cellar," 
he  said.  "  If  the  Countess  be  not  here  and  you  still 
remain  obdurate,  then  shall  you  stretch  halter,  an 
you  were  the  Pope  of  Rome  himself Ray- 
nor, we  commit  these  good  fathers  to  your  custody. 
Let  none  quit  the  room — if  need  be,  cut  down  any 
who  attempt  it." 

All  this  time  Sir  John  de  Bury  was  leaning  on 
his  long  sword,  his  cold  grey  eyes  fixed  on  the  Abbot. 
Now  he  faced  about  and,  silent  still,  tramped  out  of 
the  Chapter-house  beside  De  Lacy.  And  with  them 
went  half  of  the  men-at-arms. 


20 


xxra 

Three  Cheveons  Gules 

When  the  Knights  had  gone  Raynor  Royk,  hav- 
ing posted  guards  at  the  three  doors,  turned  the 
broken  chair  over  with  his  foot  ahd  sitting  down 
on  one  of  the  fragments  so  that  he  could  observe 
the  entire  room,  fell  to  polishing  his  dagger. 

The  Abbot  watched  him  furtively  for  a  space, 
then  arose. 

*'  Are  you  of  De  Lacy's  or  De  Bury's  household?  " 
he  asked  with  condescending  friendliness. 

No  answer. 

*'  You  hear  ?  I  asked  if  De  Bury  or  De  Lacy 
were  your  master." 

No  answer ;  and  the  polishing  went  vigorously  on. 

**  Are  you  deaf.'* "  the  monk  exclaimed  angrily, 
and  prod  the  old  retainer  with  his  foot. 

The  next  moment  the  air  was  full  of  flying  arms 
and  legs  and  sandals  and  fluttering  robes ;  and  when 
it  cleared  Aldam  was  lying  in  a  heap  on  the  floor — 
and  Raynor  Royk  was  working  on  his  dagger, 
as  placidly  as  though  it  were  a  common  enough  act 
with  him  to  seize  the  foot  of  a  mitred  Abbot  and 
whirl  him  backward  to  the  earth. 

And  the  look  of  mingled  fury  and  pain  on  the 
monk's  face  when,  shaking  ofi'  the  assisting  hands  of 
S06 


THREE  CHEVRONS  GULES  307 

the  Prior  and  the  Chancellor,  he  struggled  to  his 
feet,  would  have  made  a  less  hardened  soldier  feel  a 
bit  uneasy  as  to  the  fate  of  his  soul.  But  without 
so  much  as  a  glance  at  the  furious  churchman,  Raj- 
nor  returned  the  dagger  to  its  sheath  and  went  to 
work  on  his  sword  blade. 

Never  in  all  the  years  of  his  life  had  the  stern 
Aldam  been  so  crossed  and  flouted  as  within  this  last 
hour.  Speechless  with  rage,  with  clenched  hands 
and  heaving  breast,  he  paced  the  dais.  And  the 
monks  in  fresh  terror  huddled  closer  together,  and 
told  their  beads  anew  and  muttered  prayer  on  prayer. 
Verily,  was  it  a  gloomy  day  for  the  Cistercians  of 
Kirkstall  Abbey;  and  one  sadly  unpropitious  to 
those  lay  brothers  whose  initiatory  rites  had  been  so 
rudely  interrupted. 

Presently  the  Abbot's  face  grew  calmer  and  he 
began  to  prolong  gradually  his  steps  toward  the 
rear  of  the  platform,  where  the  wall  stones  were 
very  large  and  stood  out  rough  and  bare.  There 
he  would  pause  and  lean  against  them  as  though  for 
rest,  his  head  bent  slightly  forward,  his  eyes  closed 
— a  figure  of  dejection  deep  and  heavy.  Yet  it 
might  have  been  noticed  that  he  always  rested  at 
the  same  place,  and  could  eyes  have  pierced  his  white 
robe,  they  would  have  seen  his  slender  fingers  play- 
ing with  careful  pressure  over  the  wall  beside  him. 

At  length  It  happened — when  the  soldiers  had 
grown  accustomed  to  his  pacings  and  had  ceased  to 
watch  him,  and  while  Ray  nor  Royk  was  busy  with 


808  BEATRIX  OF  GLARE 

his  sword  work,  his  head  bent  low — that  Aldam 
halted  at  the  wall  and  leaned  against  it  in  his  usual 
way;  and  as  he  did  so  the  huge  stone  he  touched 
swung  back  noiselessly,  he  glided  swiftly  through  the 
opening  and  the  stone  closed  back  into  its  place. 

An  excited  exclamation  by  the  Prior  caused  Ray- 
nor  Royk  to  look  up.  Instantly  he  missed  the  Ab- 
bot. With  a  shout  he  sprang  over  and  seized  the 
Chancellor,  who  happened  to  be  nearest. 

"The  Abbot?  The  Abbot.?"  he  demanded 
fiercely. 

"  I  know  not,"  the  monk  stammered,  staring  about. 
"  I  saw  him  last  by  yonder  wall." 

The  old  soldier  loosed  him  straightway  and  turned 
upon  the  Prior. 

"  Speak,"  he  thundered,  "  where  is  the  Abbot.''  " 

Father  James  stepped  forward.  "  He  went 
through  the  wall,"  he  said. 

"  What !  thou  shaveling !  Do  you  take  me  for 
a  superstitious  fool.'*  Through  yonder  stones! 
Think  you  I  believe  such  nonsense  ?  " 

"  That  you  believe  or  disbelieve  concerns  me  not 
at  all,"  the  Prior  answered.  "  Nathless,  through 
that  wall  he  went,  for  with  my  own  eyes  I  saw  a 
part  of  it  roll  back  and  him  pass  in." 

Raynor  crossed  to  the  spot  in  a  single  bound  and 
fell  to  pounding  with  his  sword  hilt.  But  only  a 
monotonously  dull  sound  answered  to  the  blows. 

"  Do  you  know  this  hidden  door,  or  whither  it 
leads.?" 


THREE  CHEVRONS  GULES  309 

"  Methinks  I  can  answer  for  myself  and  all  my 
brothers,"  said  the  Prior.  "  There  are  certain  secret 
passages  in  the  Abbey  which  none  but  our  ruler  ever 
knows.     Doubtless  this  is  one  of  them." 

"  Beware,  Sir  Monk ! "  Raynor  exclaimed,  strid- 
ing over  and  glaring  down  upon  him.  "  If  you  lie 
to  aid  your  Abbot  you  shall  hang  instead  of  him." 

The  Prior  crossed  himself  devoutly.  "  Holy  St. 
Benedict,  be  my  witness,  I  speak  truth.  Nor  do  we 
love  the  Abbot  Aldam  well  enough  to  shield  him  at 
danger  to  ourselves." 

The  veteran  regarded  him  keenly  for  a  mo- 
ment. "  I  am  prone  to  believe  you,"  he  said ;  "  for 
I  myself  know  something  of  this  Aldam.  Yet  here  is 
one  who  will  need  the  convincing,"  as  Sir  Aymer  de 
Lacy  entered  suddenly.  And  behind  him  came  an 
archer  with  a  coil  of  rope. 

"  Seize  the  Abbot ! "  the  Knight  commanded  as 
he  crossed  the  threshold.  ..."  Ho,  Raynor ! 
Since  when  are  you  afraid  to  touch  a  Priest?  Seize 
him,  I  say." 

The  old  soldier  advanced  and  saluted. 

"  The  Abbot  has  escaped,"  he  said. 

"  What !— Escaped !— Hell  and  Furies!"  De 
Lacy  cried,  and  sprang  at  him  with  arm  raised  to 
strike.  But  instantly  the  anger  passed ;  and  instead 
of  a  blow,  his  hand  fell  kindly  upon  Royk's  shoul- 
der. "How  did  it  happen?"  he  asked.  "It  was 
through  some  trick,  I  warrant,  and  by  no  fault  of 
yours." 


310  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

*'  I  thank  your  lordship,"  Raynor  answered,  with 
another  salute.  "  The  Abbot  escaped  by  a  secret 
passage  in  yonder  wall  when  my  eyes  were  not  upon 
him.  This  monk  saw  the  stone  open  and  close,"  and 
he  pointed  to  the  Prior. 

De  Lacy  eyed  Father  James  sharply,  then  nodded 
for  hira  to  speak. 

At  the  end,  he  sent  Royk  to  make  another  search 
of  the  entire  Abbey,  and  himself  turned  his  attention 
to  the  wall.  But  though  he  tried  pressure  both  light 
and  heavy  and  in  all  possible  positions  and  com- 
binations the  stone  stood  firm. 

"  Is  this  the  first  time  you  have  seen  this  passage 
opened?  "  he  asked. 

"  It  is,  my  lord ;  this  or  any  other  of  its  kind. 
It  is  a  violation  of  the  Abbot's  vows  to  use  the  secret 
ways  in  presence  of  another." 

*'  Do  you  think  he  never  violated  them  before.?  " 

The  monk  shook  his  head.  "  Save  possibly  for 
certain  damsels,  I  think  not;  he  never  before  had 
such  occasion.  Yet  I  will  inquire Broth- 
ers ! "  he  cried,  "  if  there  be  any  among  you  who 
knows  the  trick  of  this  hidden  door  or  whither  it 
leads,  I  enjoin  him,  in  the  name  of  the  blessed  Bene- 
dict and  as  the  ranking  officer  in  this  Chapter, 
that  has  not  yet  been  dissolved,  to  reveal  the  same." 

The  monks  whispered  among  themselves.  Then 
one  stood  forth. 

"  There  is  none  among  us  who  knows  the  secret, 
most  reverend  Prior,"  he  answered. 


THREE  CHEVRONS  GULES  311 

"  You  hear,  sir?  "   said  Father  James. 

De  Lacy  nodded.  "  Yet  I  must  trouble  you  to 
answer  me  a  little  further.  Do  you  know  this 
glove  and  kerchief.?  I  found  them  in  the  room  next 
to  the  Abbot's." 

The  Prior  took  them  and  after  a  glance  held  them 
inquiringly  toward  the  Chancellor  and  Father  Al- 
bert; but  each  disclaimed  all  knowledge. 

"  I  fear  me,  sir,  we  cannot  help  you 

Women  are  not  unknown  in  the  Abbot's  quarters; 
yet  none  of  us  has  ever  seen  them  close  enough  to 
know  them.  It  is  thought  he  uses  for  them  one  of 
the  secret  passages  which  opens  somewhere  beyond 
the  Abbey  walls.  Leastwise,  you  may  be  assured 
no  one  has  ever  ventured  to  refer  thereto  in  the 
holy  Aldam's  hearing.  So,  my  lord,  these  articles 
might    belong    to    any    of    a    dozen    demoiselles — 

with  religious  inclinations,"  and  he  chuckled 

"  Yet — here  is  a  cognizance  upon  the  kerchief  which 
may  tell  much  to  one  acquainted  with  escutcheons. 
It  is  three  chevrons  gules,  I  take  it." 

"  They  are  the  arms  of  Clare,  and  the  Countess  is 
its  heiress,"  said  De  Lacy. 

"  Then  she  you  seek  has,  indeed,  been  here !  " 

"  And  is  here  still,  though  I  have  failed  to  find 
her." 

"  Nay — methinks  not.  There  have  been  no  gen- 
tle ones  with  his  reverence  these  last  five  days." 

**  You  are  sure  of  that.?  " 

The    Prior's    broad    face    expanded    in    a    grin. 


812  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

**  Well,  sir,  you  see  we  have  thought  it  good  to 
keep  a  religious  eye  upon  our  worthy  head." 

De  Lacy  drew  off  his  steel  gauntlet. 

"  See  you  this  ring?  "  he  said,  holding  up  the 
Boar.  "  In  the  name  of  the  King  I  promise  you, 
Sir  Prior,  the  Abbotcy  of  Kirkstall,  and  your  good 
fellows  each  a  grade  in  rank,  if  you  will  aid  me  to 
capture  this  Aldam  and  to  recover  the  Countess  of 
Clare." 

Father  James's  face  flushed  slightly  at  the  pros- 
pect, and  the  Sub-prior  and  the  Chancellor  drew 
nearer  in  sudden  interest. 

"  It  is  a  tempting  offer,"  the  Prior  said ; 
"  yet  though  you  promised  us  all  the  red  hat  of  a 
Prince  Cardinal,  we  could  give  you  no  more  assist- 
ance than  we  have  already  done.  Nathless,  fair 
sir,  we  shall  do  whatever  lies  in  our  power." 

**  It  is  a  bargain.  When  the  Abbot  is  a  prisoner 
or  the  lady  saved,  the  new  dignities  are  yours     . 

.  Monks  of  Kirkstall,  barken ! "  he  cried  to 
those  upon  the  benches.  "  For  inasmuch  as  Aldam, 
Abbot  of  Kirkstall  Abbey,  has  aided  and  abetted  the 
enemies  of  his  lawful  Sovereign  and  has  furthered 
and  assisted  the  abductors  of  the  Countess  of  Clare, 
Maid-in-waiting  to  Her  Majesty;  now,  I,  Aymer  de 
Lacy,  Knight  of  the  Body,  under  the  authority 
vested  in  me  by  this  signet  and  in  the  name  of 
the  King,  do  hereby  publicly  degrade  and  remove 
the  said  Aldam  from  his  office  and  do  absolve  and 
release  every  and  all  of  you  from  any  obligation  or 


THREE  CHEVRONS  GULES    313 

duty  to  him.  And  further,  whosoever  shall  offer 
him  comfort  or  sustenance  shall  be  deemed  and  held 
traitor  and  shall  suffer  death.    Heed  and  obey." 

The  Prior  sprang  to  the  front  of  the  dais. 

"  Long  live  the  King !  "  he  shouted. 

And  the  monks,  wild  with  joy  at  release  from 
their  hard  master,  jumped  on  the  benches  crying: 

"  Long  live  the  Royal  Richard !  Long  live  the 
King ! " 


XXIV 
"  When  You  Have  Topped  These  Staies  " 

For  an  hour  Raynor  Royk  and  his  men  searched 
every  nook  and  corner  of  the  Abbey,  sounding  walls 
and  floors  and  making  a  confusion  such  as  the  stately 
establishment  had  never  known.  But  they  found 
neither  the  Countess  nor  the  Abbot.  He  had  either 
escaped  by  one  of  the  passages  through  which  he 
introduced  his  frail  companions,  or  he  was  hiding 
in  some  secret  chamber — whence  he  would  take 
good  care  not  to  issue  until  the  Knights  had 
departed. 

And  to  provide  for  just  such  contingency  De 
Lacy,  on  the  morrow  when  the  march  was  resumed, 
detailed  five  of  the  royal  men-at-arms  to  remain  at 
Kirkstall.  The  armed  retainers  of  the  Abbey,  who 
had  been  made  prisoners  the  instant  De  Bury  and 
he  entered  the  place,  he  now  relieved  from  service 
there  and  enrolled  them  among  his  own  following. 
They  were  sturdy  soldiers  enough,  albeit  they  had 
little  to  do  but  to  wax  fat  and  sluggish  by  inac- 
tion and  much  food  and,  occasionally,  to  escort  the 
Abbot  when  he  went  abroad.  Yet  they  were  glad 
to  be  admitted  to  the  service  of  one  who  wore  the 
Boar  and  they  donned  corselet  and  casquetel  with 
eagerness  and  haste — as  willing  now  to  fight  against 
314 


WHEN  YOU  TOP  THESE  STAIRS    315 

the  Cistercian  as,  an  hour  since,  they  were  ready 
to  defend  him. 

The  Castle  of  Roxford  lay  some  four  leagues 
northwest  of  the  Abbey.  It  had  been  the  seat  of 
the  Lords  of  Darby  for  two  centuries  and  more; 
and  while  in  no  way  comparable  with  the  huge  Pon- 
tefract,  in  either  size  or  strength,  yet  it  was  deemed 
a  formidable  fortress  and  one,  when  properly  gar- 
risoned and  defended,  well  able  to  withstand  attack. 

A  broad  path  led  from  the  highway  half  a 
league  or  so  through  the  forest  of  oaks  and  beeches 
to  the  castle,  which  stood  on  a  slight  eminence  in 
the  centre  of  a  wide  clearing  covered  with  luxuriant 
turf,  and  used  for  pasturing  the  domestic  animals 
as  well  as  for  the  sports  of  the  garrison.  But  the 
morning  after  the  events  at  Kirkstall,  when  Sir 
Aymer  de  Lacy  and  Sir  John  de  Bury  halted  near 
the  edge  of  the  timber,  this  open  space  was  bare 
of  denizen,  either  brute  or  human.  Nor  did  the 
fortress  itself  show  more  animation ;  for  though  they 
rode  slowly  around  its  entire  circle,  keeping  the 
while  well  under  cover  of  the  trees,  yet  not  a  sign 
of  life  did  they  discover  either  without  or  within. 
Save  for  the  small  sable  banner  with  the  three 
golden  escallops,  which  fluttered  in  gentle  waves 
from  the  gate-tower,  there  was  no  moving  thing  in 
all  the  landscape. 

"  It  is  uncommonly  queer,  this  quiet,"  said  De 
Bury,  shading  his  eyes  with  his  hand  to  see  the 
better.  "  It  would  almost  seem  they  had  been 
warned  of  our  coming." 


816  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Like  enough,"  De  Lacy  answered.  "  They 
would  only  need  to  know  that  I  was  back  in  York- 
shire; and  that,  doubtless,  reached  them  quick 
enough.  There  is  no  hope  to  catch  them  with  draw- 
bridge down,"  and  they  went  on  to  their  following. 

"  You  know  the  castle.  Sir  John ;  what  is  the  best 
point  to  attack.?  "  Aymer  asked. 

Tlie  old  Knight  shook  his  head.  "  There  is  no 
weak  spot,  so  far  as  I  have  recollection." 

"  Where  is  the  postern .''    I  did  not  note  it." 

"  No  postern  will  you  find  in  yonder  walls,"  De 
Bury  answered.  "  A  secret  exit  runs  beneath  the 
moat  known  only  to  the  ruling  lord  himself." 

"  Another  Kirkstall !  "  commented  Aymer. 

"  Aye — yet  as  Darby  is  not  within,  there  will  be 
no  escape  by  it." 

With  banners  to  the  fore,  they  marched  across 
the  open  space  to  the  barbican  and  the  herald  blew 
the  parley. 

No  answer  came  from  the  outwork.  Riding  closer, 
De  Lacy  discovered  it  was  without  defenders,  and 
passing  through  he  halted  on  the  edge  of  the  cause- 
way. 

"  Sound  again !  "  he  commanded — and  this  time 
with  quick  effect. 

A  trumpet  answered  hoarsely  from  within  and  a 
mailed  form  arose  from  behind  the  crenellated  par- 
apet near  the  gate. 

"  Who  summons  so  peremptorily  the  Castle  of  the 
Lords  of  Darby?  "  it  asked. 


WHEN  YOU  TOP  THESE  STAIRS    317 

Sir  John's  herald  blew  another  blast. 

"  It  is  a  most  ignorant  warder  that  does  not  rec- 
ognize the  arms  of  Sir  John  de  Bury  and  Sir  Aymer 
de  Lacy,"  he  answered. 

"  What  seek  Sir  John  de  Bury  and  Sir  Aymer 
de  Lacy  at  the  Castle  of  Roxford.''  "  was  the  demand. 

De  Lacy  waved  the  herald  aside.  "  We  seek  the 
Countess  of  Clare  who,  we  have  reason  to  believe,  is 
held  in  durance  here.  In  the  name  of  the  King,  we 
require  you  to  surrender  her  forthwith." 

"  And  if  she  be  not  here.?  " 

"  Then  after  due  search,  we  will  leave  you  undis- 
turbed," the  Knight  replied. 

The  other  laughed  tauntingly. 

"  You  must  needs  have  wings,  fair  sirs,  to  gain 
entrance  here ; "  and  with  a  scornful  gesture  he 
disappeared  below  the  parapet,  and  the  blast  of  a 
trumpet  signified  that  the  truce  was  ended. 

De  Lacy  closed  his  visor,  and  for  a  time  surveyed 
the  fortress  with  careful  eye.  Before  him  lay  a 
moat  full  sixty  feet  across  and  two  thirds  full  of 
water,  with  no  means  of  passage  save  the  drawbridge, 
that  hung  so  high  on  its  chains  as  to  seem  almost 
against  the  outer  portcullis.  From  the  farther  edge 
the  wall  rose  solid  and  grim,  and,  as  he  knew  from 
Sir  John,  with  no  opening  in  all  its  circuit  save  the 
gate  directly  opposite. 

**  It  is  evident  the  garrison  is  very  small,"  De 
Bury  observed,  "  else  they  would  not  have  abandoned 
the  barbican  without  a  blow." 


818  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

*'  Undoubtedly ;  and  if  we  can  reach  the  gate 
or  scale  the  wall  the  rest  is  easy." 

"  I  would  we  had  a  bombard  or  two  that  are  lying 
idle  in  the  armory  at  Pontefract." 

"  They  will  not  be  needed,"  De  Lacy  answered. 
*'  We  shall  sleep  in  the  castle  to-night." 

Sir  John  smiled.  "  Have  you  found  the  wings 
the  warder  recommended.''  " 

"  We  shall  not  require  them ;  the  gate  is  easier 
entrance  than  over  the  walls — ^besides  being  the  way 
naturally  intended.  This  is  not  the  first  time  I  have 
forced  such  a  castle  and  won  it  by  sundown.  .  .  . 
Giles,  we  will  try  the  flagons ;  let  the  ropes  be 
made  ready,  and  bid  the  archers  stand  to  their 
bows." 

Sir  John  was  regarding  De  Lacy  with  vexed 
surprise. 

"  Flagons !  "  he  broke  out.  "  Do  you  think  to  win 
the  castle  by  pouring  wine  on  the  waters  of  the 
moat.?" 

Aymer  laughed.  "  It  is  a  trick  I  learned  among 
the  Italians,  though  they  use  hollow  iron  balls. 
There  were  none  such  at  Pontefract,  so  I  substituted 
flagons;  they  are  filled  with  powder,  the  mouth 
plugged  shut  save  for  the  fuse,  and  the  whole  is 
wrapped  in  a  bag,  also  filled  with  powder." 

"  How  in  the  name  of  St.  Luke  do  you  expect 
to  use  them  ?  " 

"  Come,"  said  De  Lacy,  and  led  the  way  to  the 
edge  of  the  moat. 


WHEN  YOU  TOP  THESE  STAHIS    319 

The  squire  was  there  uncoiling  a  long,  stout  rope 
with  a  broad  iron  ball  at  one  end.  Fastening  the 
other  end  to  a  projection  in  the  barbican,  he  whirled 
the  weighted  one  around  his  head,  then  suddenly  let 
it  fly.  Like  a  bird  it  soared  over  the  moat,  and 
crossing  back  of  the  right  lift-chain  swung  far 
down  near  the  water.  With  a  wide  grappling  hook 
he  caught  it  above  the  ball,  and  drawing  it  in  tied 
the  two  ends  together,  forming  a  great  loop  around 
the  chain  where  it  was  fastened  to  the  bridge. 

Hitherto  there  had  been  no  opposition  from  the 
castle;  but  now  there  was  a  change. 

As  Dauvrey  whirled  another  weighted  rope  behind 
the  left  draw-chain,  an  arrow  whistled  from  the  wall 
and  rapped  him  hard  upon  the  hauberk  near  the 
gorget,  piercing  the  outer  mail,  but  being  stayed  by 
the  inner  shirt  of  Italian  steel.  The  next  instant 
the  shafts  came  thick  and  furious,  marking  De  Bury 
and  De  Lacy  and  the  squire  at  every  joint  and 
seam  of  their  harness,  but  without  effect. 

"  By  St.  Denis,  I  fancy  not  those  bolts,"  ex- 
claimed De  Lacy,  as  a  quarrel  from  an  arbalest 
glanced  along  his  helmet  near  the  eye  hole.  "  It 
came  from  the  left  gate  tower,  methought." 

"  From  the  far  window,"  said  De  Bury. 

"  Fetch  me  a  bow,"  De  Lacy  ordered  Royk. 

Drawing  off  his  right  gauntlet  he  notched  the 
shaft  and  waited.  Presently  a  head  rose  cautiously 
in  the  window  and  the  cross-bow  was  laid  upon  the 
ledge.      Instantly    De   Lacy's   fingers   touched   his 


SJ20  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

cheek,  the  string  twanged  sweetly,  and  the  arrow 
flashed  across  and  deep  into  the  brain  of  the  arbal- 
estier. 

The  cry  he  gave  as  death  gripped  him  was  an- 
swered by  the  splash  of  his  weapon  as  it  sank  into 
the  waters  of  the  moat. 

"  Bravo !  my  lord !  "  Raynor  exclaimed.  "  You 
are  a  sight  for  old  eyes." 

"  It  was  a  lucky  shot,"  the  Knight  replied,  hand- 
ing back  the  stave. 

Meanwhile  Dauvrey,  minding  the  arrows  rained 
upon  him  no  more  than  so  many  feathers,  had  caught 
the  last  rope,  and  so  both  lift-chains  were  encircled 
by  a  running  loop.  In  a  trice  a  flagon  was  fastened 
to  a  strand  of  each  and  drawn  quickly  over  until  it 
rested  close  against  the  bridge.  All  this  time  the 
ropes  were  kept  swinging  irregularly  to  prevent 
them  being  cut  by  arrows  from  the  walls;  though 
the  defenders  had  ignored  them  entirely,  thinking, 
doubtless,  they  were  to  be  used  for  crossing  and 
being  quite  content ;  for  then  their  assailants'  armor 
must  come  off^  and  they  be  easy  marks. 

But  when  the  bags  went  over  they  scented  danger, 
and  the  darts  began  to  hiss  about  the  ropes.  And 
the  gate  was  flung  back  and  the  bridge  lowered  a 
trifle,  and  up  it  two  men  worked  their  way  toward 
the  chains.  They  were  protected  by  the  flooring 
from  the  fire  of  those  at  the  barbican,  but  Dauvrey, 
foreseeing  just  such  a  move,  had  stationed  archers 
on  each  side  to  meet  it ;  and  ere  the  two  had  reached 


WHEN  YOU  TOP  THESE  STAIRS    321 

the  middle  of  the  span  they  were  pierced  by  half  a 
score  of  arrows  and  rolled  back  into  the  gateway. 

"Now!"  cried  De  Lacy.  "Up  with  them  "— 
and  seizing  the  rope  nearest  him  he  gave  it  a  quick 
twist  that  flung  the  bag  upon  the  bridge  and  against 
the  chain ;  and  Dauvrey  did  the  same  with  the  other. 

At  the  command  two  archers  had  sprung  forward 
with  lifted  bows  and  barbs  wrapped  with  burning 
tow  and  oil. 

"  Shoot ! "  Sir  Aymer  ordered ;  and  straight  into 
each  bag  a  blazing  arrow  sped. 

Then  came  a  sullen  roar — a  burst  of  silvery  smoke 
— a  rush  of  flying  bits  of  iron  and  splinters ;  and  as 
those  before  the  barbican  leaped  back  at  the  Knight's 
warning  cry,  the  drawbridge  crashed  down  upon  the 
causeway,  its  lift-chains  torn  clean  away. 

Instantly  De  Lacy  dashed  forward  with  waving 
axe ;  and  beside  him  went  Sir  John  de  Bury,  and  at 
his  shoulder  were  Dauvrey  and  Old  Raynor  Royk. 
And  they  were  none  too  quick;  for  already  those  at 
the  entrance  were  trying  to  remove  the  planks  that 
formed  the  flooring.  But  with  a  cry  of  "  Clare ! 
Clare ! "  Aymer  and  the  others  were  upon  them 
and  they  fled  within  the  walls,  swinging  the  gate 
shut  just  as  the  two  Knights  flung  themselves 
against  it. 

"  Keep  an  eye  upward  lest  they  loose  a  turret  and 

destroy  the  bridge,"  De  Lacy  shouted,  and  fell  to 

work  on  the  gate  with  his  heavy  axe,  while  Dauvrey 

made  haste  to  prevent  the  dropping  of  the  portcullis 

21 


322  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

by  driving  a  spike  into  the  grooves  in  which  it 
worked. 

But  the  gate  was  made  of  heavy,  seasoned  oak, 
studded  thick  with  iron  and  bound  deep  around  the 
edges  with  well-wrought  steel.  And  though  De 
Lacy's  blows  thundered  upon  it  until  it  swayed  and 
rattled  on  its  massive  hinges,  yet  it  still  stood  staunch 
and  firm.  Presently  he  paused,  and  Giles  Dauv- 
rey  sprang  forward  to  take  his  place.  But  he 
stayed  him. 

"  It  is  too  strong  to  waste  good  time  and  strength 
upon,"  he  said.     "  We  must  use  the  powder  again." 

Twice  the  flagons  spoke  without  material  result; 
but  the  third  tore  the  gate  from  its  fastenings,  and 
even  before  the  smoke  had  risen  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy 
and  Sir  John  de  Bury  hurled  it  back  upon  its  hinges 
and  dashed  through — to  be  brought  up  short  by 
two  men  in  complete  armor,  who  attacked  them 
furiously. 

In  the  narrow  passage,  with  the  walls  close  on 
either  side  and  the  roof  low  over  head,  the  fighting 
was  hampered  and  awkward.  De  Lacy  and  De  Bury 
were  in  each  other's  way  and  neither  could  swing 
a  heavy  blow;  yet  they  pressed  forward,  sword  and 
axe  drawing  fire  as  they  rasped  each  other  or  scraped 
against  the  rough  stones  of  the  arch. 

Meanwhile  the  men-at-arms  led  by  Raynor  Royk 
had  poured  across  the  bridge  and  were  crowding 
close  in  the  rear. 

"  Bear  aside,  my  lords !  "  the  veteran  shouted  high 


WHEN  YOU  TOP  THESE  STAIRS    323 

above  the  din  of  the  clashing  steel.    "  We  will  sweep 
the  way  clean  by  a  rush." 

But  neither  Knight  gave  heed.  Gradually  De 
Lacy  was  driving  his  foe  before  him.  Step  by  step 
he  forced  him  back,  until  presently  they  were  free 
of  the  wall  and  into  the  outer  bailey.  Then  he 
first  noticed  that,  though  his  opponent  bore  no 
device  upon  shield  or  hauberk  nor  crest  upon  helm, 
his  armor  was  scarcely  of  the  sort  wont  to  be  worn 
by  retainers  or  simple  men-at-arms;  it  was  far  too 
handsome  in  its  lines  and  fashion  and  much  too 
beautifully  forged.  And  as  he  parried  the  sword 
strokes,  waiting  for  an  opening  when  he  could  end 
the  conflict  by  a  crashing  blow,  he  tried  to  distin- 
guish the  face  behind  the  bars  of  the  visor.  At 
first  he  had  thought  it  was  some  retainer  masquerad- 
ing in  one  of  Lord  Darby's  suits  of  mail,  but  the 
sword  play  was  manifestly  that  of  no  common  sol- 
dier ;  it  was  too  graceful  and  too  skillful  to  have  been 
learned  amid  the  turmoil  of  the  camp  and  battle. 
And  suddenly  the  great  hope  came  that  it  was  Darby 
himself — who  had  eluded  the  King  and,  following 
after,  had  passed  him  at  Pontefract.  Instantly 
the  cool  method  of  his  fighting  vanished ;  his  fingers 
took  a  fresh  and  tighter  grip ;  his  battle-cry  "  Clare ! 
Clare !  "  rang  out  vengef ully ;  and  with  all  the  fury 
of  his  wrongs  and  pent-up  hate  he  sprang  in  close. 
And  as  he  swept  his  axe  aloft  its  heavy  head  caught 
the  other's  sword  and  tore  it  clean  away,  sending  it 
far  across  the  bailey  where  it  fell  with  a  clang. 


324  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

To  many,  here  would  have  been  the  conflict's  end ; 
yet  even  as  the  hilt  quit  his  fingers,  the  unknown 
plucked  forth  his  heavy  dagger  and  sprang  straight 
at  De  Lacy. 

Aymer  met  the  attack  by  facing  on  his  right  heel 
swiftly  to  the  left,  and  as  the  other,  unable  to  recover 
himself,  struck  wildly  at  the  air,  the  axe  caught  him 
full  upon  the  shoulder,  biting  through  gorget  and 
gambeson  and  deep  into  the  neck  beneath. 

Bending  over  his  fallen  foe,  De  Lacy  cut  the  lac- 
ings of  the  helmet  and  drew  it  off — then  started  back 
in  wonder. 

Instead  of  the  dark  curls  and  face  of  Roxford's 
lord  there  were  disclosed  the  tonsured  head  and  pale 
features  of  the  Abbot  of  Kirkstall. 

"  Pardieu ! "    he    exclaimed,    gazing    down    into 

the  face  already  set  in  death "  You 

were  my  enemy,  yet  had  I  known  whom  this  suit 
encased,  methinks  my  arm  had  dealt  an  easier  blow. 
Nathless,  you  were  a  better  knight  than  churchman 
and,  mayhap,  it  was  a  proper  death  for  you  to  die." 

Just  then,  De  Bury's  antagonist  went  by,  running 
as  easy  as  though  his  mail  were  silk  and  shouting: 
*'  To  the  keep !  To  the  keep !  "  to  those  upon  the 
walls.  And  behind  him  came  Sir  John,  and  the 
squires,  and  Raynor  Royk  with  all  the  troop. 

Whirling  about,  De  Lacy  sprang  after.  But  here 
had  he  and  all  the  others  met  their  match ;  for  strain 
as  they  might,  they  gained  not  an  inch ;  and  when  the 
foe  reached  the  steps  they  were  yet  fifty  feet  away. 


WHEN  YOU  TOP  THESE  STAIRS    325 

The  door  was  open  for  him  and  rushing  in  he 
flung  it  shut,  but  with  such  force  that  it  missed  the 
catch  and  rebounded — and  at  that  instant,  De  Lacy 
thrust  in  his  axe  and  he  and  Dauvrey  threw  them- 
selves against  the  door  and  slowly  forced  it  back. 
Then  of  a  sudden,  it  yielded  and  they  were  near  to 
falling  headlong. 

Shouting  his  battle-cry,  Aymer  strode  into  the 
great  hall  and  made  for  the  wide  stairway  at  the 
opposite  end,  where  the  remnants  of  the  garrison 
were  gathered  for  the  final  stand.  There  were  but 
nine  and  of  them  only  the  three  in  front  were 
garbed  in  steel;  and  in  the  centre  was  he  who  had 
held  the  gate  against  Sir  John  de  Bury. 

Out-matched  and  out-armed  there  could  be  for 
them  but  one  end  to  the  melee;  for  though  they  held 
the  vantage  post  yet  it  counted  little  against  those 
who  were  arrayed  below  them,  eager  to  begin.  Never- 
theless, they  stood  calm  and  ready,  leaning  on  their 
weapons,  and  showed  no  glint  of  fear.  And  De 
Lacy,  in  admiration  and  loath  to  put  them  to  the 
sword,  raised  his  axe  for  silence. 

"  You  bear  yourselves  as  men  deserving  of  a  bet- 
ter cause,"  he  cried,  "  and  I  fain  would  not  have  your 
blood  spilled  needlessly.  Yield  yourselves  prisoners, 
and  scathless  shall  you  leave  this  castle  within  the  hour 
— all  save  one,  if  he  be  among  you,  the  flat-nosed  re- 
tainer of  Lord  Darby.  Him  must  I  carry  to  the  King." 

A  gruff  laugh  came  from  the  figure  in  the  centre 
and  he  swung  his  visor  up. 


326  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Aye,  sirs,  be  not  surprised.  Behold  him  you 
have  dubbed  Flat-Nose — by  true  name,  Simon 
Gorges — the  leader  of  your  assailants.  Sir  John  de 
Bury,  when  yon  Knight  saved  you — the  abductor  of 
the  Countess  of  Clare — the  man  who  eluded  you, 
Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  at  the  house  in  Sheffield."  And 
he  laughed  again.  "  And  now  do  I  thank  your 
worship  for  the  proffered  clemency  to  my  fel- 
lows, and  for  the  honor  you  have  in  store  for  me. 
Yet  am  I  scarce  fit  to  stand  before  His  Majesty; 
nor  do  the  followers  of  the  Master  of  Roxford  ac- 
cept favor  or  life  from  the  enemy  of  their  lord. 
Here  await  we  the  onslaught,  fair  sirs,  and  let  it 
come  quickly  that  it  may  be  quickly  done." 

"  Stay  !  "  cried  De  Lacy  fiercely.  "  You  have 
many  more  sins  upon  your  soul,  doubtless,  than  those 
just  vaunted,  yet  will  you  not  do  one  redeeming  act 
ere  you  are  sped?  For  of  a  verity  you  shall  die  ere 
the  shadows  yonder  lengthen  by  a  span.  Where,  I 
ask  you,  shall  I  find  the  Countess  of  Clare.?  " 

Flat-Nose  smiled. 

"  You  will  find  her  when  you  have  topped  these 
stairs,"  he  answered,  and  snapped  his  visor  shut. 

"  I  claim  the  villain !  "  De  Bury  exclaimed. 

*'  Take  him,"  said  De  Lacy — and  whispered  to 
Giles  Dauvrey :  "  Keep  behind  Sir  John,  and  if  he 
weaken  take  his  place  until  I  come." 

Then  with  the  old  Knight  in  the  middle  and  Ay- 
mer and  Raynor  Royk  on  either  hand,  they  ad- 
vanced to  the  fight. 


WHEN  YOU  TOP  THESE  STAIRS    327 

But  whereas  at  the  gate  they  were  on  equal  foot- 
ing, here  the  assailed  had  vastly  the  advantage; 
for  standing  on  the  edge  of  the  landing,  where  the 
stairs  divided,  they  were  high  above  their  foes. 
So  the  conflict  began  warily;  and  on  the  third 
step  below  the  three  halted  and  made  play  with  the 
three  above,  seeking  for  a  chance  to  rush  up  and  get 
on  even  terms.  But  the  others  were  not  to  be  con- 
fused by  tricks  or  taken  unaware,  and  were  content 
to  act  only  on  the  defensive  and  wait  their  oppor- 
tunity. And  so  they  struggled  for  a  while,  with  no 
result  on  either  side  save  that  the  strain  grew  heavy 
and  the  breath  came  harder  than  at  first. 

Suddenly,  Gorges'  heavy  blade  found  an  opening, 
and  Sir  John  de  Bury,  with  a  great  hole  in  his  hel- 
met, staggered  back  and  sank  into  the  arms  of  the 
men  behind  him.  But  it  brought  no  respite  to  the 
victor,  for  Giles  Dauvrey  stepped  into  the  vacant 
place  and  his  sword  and  Flat-Nose's  rang  viciously 
together. 

With  a  groan  De  Lacy  marked  the  old  Knight's 
fall ;  then  as  for  an  instant  his  opponent's  eye  wan- 
dered thither,  he  sprang  up  inside  his  stroke,  and 
gripping  him  with  both  hands  about  the  ankles  threw 
him  over  his  head  and  clean  to  the  pavement  below. 

At  this  moment,  Raynor  Royk  cut  down  his  foe 
and  joined  his  leader  on  the  landing  with  the  men- 
at-arms  at  his  back.  Then,  indeed,  was  the  fight 
quickly  ended — save  where  Simon  Gorges  still  held 
the  squire  at  bay. 


328  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

And  while  they  fought  a  queer  thing  happened  in 
the  hall  below,  for  Sir  John  de  Bury  got  suddenly 
upon  his  feet  and  came  toward  the  stairs. 

"  You  must  strike  harder,  Flat-Nose,  to  reach  a 
skull  through  Spanish  bascinet,"  he  said.  "  Yet  of  a 
verity,  did  you  stun  me  sore  and  show  me  stars  in 
millions.  Have  at  him,  De  Lacy,  I  resign  the  rogue 
to  you — my  legs  are  over  shaky  to  stand  on  yonder 
stair." 

De  Lacy  motioned  all  to  move  back. 

"  Flat-Nose !  "  he  called.  "  You  shall  have  one 
more  chance.    Will  you  yield  prisoner?  " 

Instantly  Dauvrey  stepped  down  out  of  reach  and 
grounded  blade. 

"  To  dangle  in  a  halter  from  the  gate  tower?  " 
scoffed  Gorges,  facing  about.  "  Not  by  St.  Ed- 
ward !    Cry  on  your  dogs." 

"  Has  life  then  grown  tiresome  to  you  ?  " 

"  Marry,  no !  Yet  it  is  but  a  change  of  deaths 
you  offer ;  and  I  prefer  the  one  that  finds  me  sword 
in  hand." 

"  You  have  said  the  Countess  of  Clare  is  in  this 
castle.  Will  you  accept  life  from  her  if  she  decree 
it;  or  in  steel  harness  fight  me  to  the  death,  if  she 
condemn  you  ?  "  De  Lacy  asked. 

Flat-Nose  flung  down  his  sword  and  raised  his 
visor. 

"  I  accept  the  offer.  Sir  Knight,"  he  said.  "  I 
will  risk  the  lady's  judgment.  Knock  upon  the  door 
in  the  farthest  comer  and  she,  herself,  will  open  to 


WHEN  YOU  TOP  THESE  STAIRS    329 

you — there  is  no  lock  upon  it,  save  that  she  has 
inside." 

"  Will  you  come  with  me,  Sir  John  ?  "  De  Lacy 
called,  as  Dauvrey  made  haste  to  unlace  his  lord's 
helmet  and  lift  it  off. 

De  Bury  shook  his  head.  "  Nay,  lad,  it  is  your 
right  first.    Later  will  I  join  you  and  gladly." 

Without  further  urging  Aymer  hurried  down 
the  corridor  and  tapped  lightly  at  the  door,  beyond 
which,  if  Flat-Nose  spoke  truly,  he  would  find 
his  lost  betrothed.  No  answer  came,  and  he  rapped 
again  and  louder.  But  within  was  silence  and  he 
waited  vainly  for  response.  Then  with  rising  sus- 
picion that  he  had  been  tricked  by  Darby's  minion, 
he  struck  the  panel  sharply  and  with  force — and 
the  door  swung  back  until  it  was  open  wide. 

For  a  moment  he  hesitated;  but  when  another 
knock  brought  no  reply,  he  ventured  across  the 
threshold  and  into  the  room  a  little  way.  Then  as 
his  eyes  chanced  upon  a  hat  with  long  plumes,  lying 
on  a  table,  and  beside  it  a  veil  and  a  woman's  gaunt- 
lets, he  was  seized  with  sudden  fright  and  turned  to 
flee. 

But  on  the  instant,  from  behind,  two  arms  were 
flung  about  his  neck  and  a  soft  cheek  was  pressed 
against  his  own,  and  a  voice,  than  which  to  him 
the  world  contained  none  sweeter,  whispered  in  his 
ear: 

**  Aymer,  my  lord  !  " 


XXV 

A  Page  from  the  Past 

With  a  cry  of  deepest  gladness  he  whirled  and 
caught  his  lost  love  to  him,  and  kissed  her  brow 
and  ruddy  hair,  and  his  voice  broke  and  his  eyes 
dimmed  as  he  repeated  many  times: 

"Beatrix!  ....  Beatrix!  ....  Thank 
God ! " 

And  so  for  a  space  they  stood.  Then  of  a  sudden 
he  held  her  gently  off  at  arm's  length. 

"  Are  you  glad  to  see  me,  sweetheart?  "  he  asked. 

"  And  need  I  tell  you  that,  dear?  "  smiling  archly. 

"  At  least  you  might  tell  me  why  my  knocks  were 
so  ignored,"  he  said,  smiling  back. 

"  Perchance,  sir,  I  was  curious  to  know  how  long 
you  would  be  content  to  knock  and  wait." 

"  You  knew  it  was  I  ?  " 

She  glanced  up  with  a  merry  sparkle  in  her  grey 
eyes. 

"  Stupid ! — do  you  think  the  door  would  have 
been  unbolted  to  another  ?"....  Then  with  a 
woman's  quick  mind :  "  And  dear  Sir  John !  It  is 
sweet  to  see  that  he  has  his  strength  again." 

"  See  ?    When  did  you  see  Sir  John  ?  " 

She  led  him  to  the  window  and  drew  aside  the 
curtain. 
330 


A  PAGE  FROM  THE  PAST  331 

"  I  saw  everything,  my  lord !  "  she  cried,  with  a 
bhthesome  laugh.  "  Everything  from  when  you 
slew  the  odious  Abbot  until  the  fight  ended  on  the 
stairs;  and  you  can  never  know,  dear,  the  joy  with 
which  I  recognized  the  Stag  upon  your  jupon." 

"  Surely  you  did  not  see  the  fight  in  the  hall ! " 
he  exclaimed. 

"  Every  stroke.  I  was  leaning  on  the  raihng 
just  above  you." 

"  And  never  spoke  to  me !  " 

"  Because  I  feared  it  might  be  distracting  and  do 
you  harm.  When  all  was  over  I  hurried  hither 
.  .  .  .  to  wait  ....  though  I  feared  Sir 
John  might  come  with  you,"  and  she  blushed 
bewitchingly. 

"  His  heart  is  young,  if  his  hair  be  grey,"  said 
De  Lacy.  "  He  bade  me  go  alone  and  he  would 
follow  presently.  And  ere  he  comes,  dear,  tell  me 
something  of  your  captivity." 

"  I  will  try  to  sketch  it  briefly,  but  if  I  seem 
to  wander,  bear  in  mind  that  to  me  it  is  years — long 
years — since  that  fateful  evening  by  the  Hermit's 
Cell."  She  paused  a  bit,  and  then  went  on :  "  The 
attack  upon  us  was  so  sharply  sudden  that  Sir  John 
had  no  chance  to  defend — the  villains  seemed  to 
rise  from  the  very  turf  on  every  side.  Almost  in- 
stantly he  was  stricken,  and  as  his  horse  bolted  into 
the  forest,  a  cloak  was  flung  over  my  head  and 
wound  round  about  my  arms,  so  that  I  was  helpless. 
Then  at  a  sharp  trot,  that  grew  quickly  into  a  can- 


83«  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

ter,  we  set  out.  After  a  while,  how  long  I  had  no 
notion,  we  halted  until  the  leader — he  whom  I  have 
come  to  know  as  Simon  Gorges — had  freed  me  from 
the  cloak,  apologizing  very  humbly  for  being  obliged 
to  use  it. 

"  It  would  likely  have  been  more  maidenly  had  I 
been  tearful  and  trembling ;  but,  to  my  shame  then, 
must  I  admit  that  I  was  neither — only  curious  to 
know  who  had  been  so  desperate  as  to  commit  an  act 
that  would  bring  the  whole  of  England  down  upon 
him.  Had  I  but  guessed  the  long  weeks  which  were 
to  pass  and  the  sore  trials  they  were  to  bear,  there 
would  have  been  weeping  without  stint  that  night  as, 
indeed,  there  was  later ;  when  it  began  to  seem  that 
you  and  all  else  on  earth  had  forsaken  me." 

"  Nay,  Beatrix ;  surely  there  was  never  such 
doubt  of  me  ?  "  De  Lacy  asked. 

"  Well ;  not  doubt,  exactly — only  a  growing  fear 
that,  having  searched  for  me  and  vainly,  you  had 
given  me  up  for  dead." 

"  Yet  all  the  while,  methinks  your  heart  told  you 
that  there  was  one,  at  least,  who  sought  you  still," 
he  said,  raising  her  face  so  he  could  look  into  her 
eyes. 

*'  I  fear  me,  Aymer,  you  are  still  given  to  occa- 
sional   conceit No,    sir — not    another 

kiss  until  I  have  finished — and  not  then,  unless  you 

are  good  and  humble Wlien  we  arrived 

before  this  castle  the  bridge  was  down  and  all  things 
seady  for  our  coming.     The  place  was  strange  to 


A  PAGE  FROM  THE  PAST  333 

me,  and  in  the  faint  glimmer  of  the  torches  and  the 
uncertain  moonlight  I  could  discern  no  escutcheon 
above  the  gateway  and  no  banner  on  the  tower. 
Nor  did  I  have  much  time  for  observing,  for  they 
hurried  me  out  of  saddle  and  through  the  great  hall 
and  up  to  these  rooms.  Directly,  there  came  to  me 
an  old  woman  who  proffered  herself  as  maid. 

"  '  Maid ! '  I  exclaimed.  *  Maid  for  one  with  no 
gown  but  a  riding  habit ! ' 

"  She  opened  the  closet  door  and  showed  me  ap- 
parel in  plenty;  and  when  I  said  I  would  wear  no 
other  woman's  clothes,  she  told  me  they  were  made 
for  me  and  had  been  waiting  for  a  week. 

"  '  Does  this  place  then  deal  in  abducted  maidens.?  ' 
I  demanded ;  and  got  for  answer  that  I  was  the  first 
woman  of  quality  to  cross  these  halls  since  the  lord's 
mother  was  laid  in  yonder  chapel. 

"  Then  suddenly  my  courage  left  me,  and  I  grew 
faint  and  would  have  fallen  had  she  not  led  me  to 
the  couch. 

"  With  the  morning  came  fresh  strength ;  and 
ignoring  the  loose  chamber  robe  she  laid  out 
and  urged  upon  me,  I  donned  my  riding  skirt  and 
waited.  But  that  day  passed ;  and  the  second  was  in 
darkness  when  I  heard  a  trumpet  call  and  then  much 
commotion  in  the  courtyard;  and  presently  there 
were  steps  in  the  corridor,  followed  by  a  knock  upon 
the  door.  When  I  opened  it  I  gave  a  cry  of  glad 
surprise ;  instead  of  the  abductor,  it  was  Lord  Darby 
who  entered  smiling  and  gay. 


334  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  I  suppose  the  sharp  shift  of  feeling  was  too 
much  for  my  wrought-up  nerves,  for  I  began  to  cry 
and  laugh  by  turns ;  and  when  I  came  back  to  calm- 
ness, I  found  him  at  my  feet  and  holding  my  hand, 
and  ....  talking  foolishness.  But  my  sole 
idea  was  to  be  gone,  and  I  told  him  so  curtly  and 
started  for  the  door.  To  my  amaze,  he  stepped  in 
front  of  me,  and  as  I  would  have  slipped  by  he  caught 
my  arm.  I  tried  to  fling  him  off,  but  unavailingly. 
Then  he  gravely  led  me  to  a  chair  and  bowed  me 
into  it. 

"  *  Bear  with  mc.  Countess,  I  pray  you,'  he  said, 
and  fell  to  talking  foolishness,  again. 

"  But  I  told  him  it  was  quite  useless ;  that  the  ques- 
tion had  been  finally  settled  between  us  at  Windsor, 
as  he  ought  to  know,  and  prayed  him  not  to  weaken 
my  gratitude  for  the  rescue  by  pressing  the  subject 
further.  I  did  it  gently  as  I  could,  but  I  saw  his 
anger  rising. 

"  He  had  been  kneeling ;  now  he  arose  and  stood 
with  folded  arms,  looking  down  at  me. 

"  *  Tell  me.  Countess,'  he  said,  *  is  this  your  final 
answer.'' ' 

"  *  It  is.  Lord  Darby,'  I  replied,  and  springing 
by  him  I  tried  to  make  the  door.  But  he  was  before 
me  and  turned  the  key. 

"  It  were  folly  to  grow  violent  in  my  helpless- 
ness, and  I  swept  him  a  mocking  curtsy. 

"  '  Will  you  tell  me  if  I  am  captive  to  Lord  Darby 
or  to  him  who  rules  this  castle  ?  '  I  asked. 


A  PAGE  FROM  THE  PAST  335 

"  He  bowed  back  at  me  until  his  plume  almost 
touched  the  floor. 

"  *  To  both,  fair  Countess,'  he  answered,  *  for  this 
is  Roxford  Castle,  and  I  am  its  lord  and  your 
abductor.' 

"  '  What  a  despicable  scoundrel  you  are ! '  I  ex- 
claimed, trying  to  hold  my  voice  steady  and  keep  a 
brave  front — though  my  heart  had  suddenly  become 
as  lead,  and  I  thanked  God  for  my  dagger. 

"  '  It  is  a  pity  you  should  view  your  future  lord 
with  so  poor  esteem,'  he  returned.  '  For  here  you 
stay  until  the  bans  are  tied  as  tight  as  priest  can 
knot  them.' 

"  '  The  Church  mates  not  the  quick  with  a  corpse,' 
I  answered. 

"  He  shrugged  his  shoulders.  *  True,  Countess,' 
he  replied.  '  But  one  must  risk  something ;  and  few 
women  go  in  search  of  death.  Nathless,  it  is  the 
only  way  you  can  escape  me  now.' 

"  *  You  forget  the  King,'  I  retorted. 

"  He  gave  his  sneering  laugh.  '  Nay,  put  no  hope 
in  Richard,'  he  said.  *  He  soon  will  have  enough  of 
his  own  troubles,  and  no  time  to  spare  for  missing 
maids.  When  Buckingham,  Stanley,  and  Darby 
rise  and  Richmond  lands  in  England,  Richard's  rule 
is  ended.  Then  think  you  the  new  King  will  deny  me 
the  Countess  of  Clare  for  wife — even  though  she  be 
a  bit  unwilling.''  Meanwhile,  it  is  already  ordered 
that  you  be  treated  as  the  chatelaine  of  Roxford. 
When  next  I  come  it  will  be  to  lead  you  to  the  altar. 


386  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

by  the  kind  permission  of  His  Gracious  Majesty, 
King  Henry.' 

*'  He  went  out  leaving  the  key  in  the  lock,  and 
after  a  while  he  rode  away. 

"  It  would  be  small  profit  to  detail  the  weeks  that 
followed.  I  rarely  left  this  room,  though  I  had  the 
freedom  of  the  castle,  and  was  denied  nothing  save 
leave  either  to  pass  the  gates  or  to  communicate  with 
the  outer  world. 

"  Then,  one  day,  I  chanced  to  be  at  yonder  win- 
dow when  Simon  Gorges  rode  from  out  the  gate-arch 
and  across  the  courtyard ;  his  mount  staggering  from 
weariness  and  both  plastered  with  mud  and  water. 

"  That  night  Gorges  carried  me  to  Kirkstall  Ab- 
bey ;  some  one  met  him  near  the  gate  and  I  was  smug- 
gled, blindfolded,  through  an  underground  passage 
to  a  small  room,  furnished  in  all  luxury,  and  with 
all  the  toilet  trifles  of  our  sex.  There  I  abode,  see- 
ing no  one  save  a  shrewish  looking  woman  who  paid 
no  heed  to  my  questions  and  ignored  me  utterly. 
And  on  the  third  evening  Lord  Darby  entered  sud- 
denly, and  I  cried  out  in  sheer  surprise  and  terror. 

*' '  You  are  not  glad  to  see  me,  I  fear,'  he  said, 
with  his  short,  sneering  laugh. 

*'  I  made  no  answer.  His  return  could  mean  only 
that  Richard  was  dethroned,  Henry  Tudor,  King, 
and  he  come  to  claim  me.  My  hand  sought  my 
hidden  dagger ;  and  he  must  have  read  my  mind,  for 
he  laughed  again — Merciful  Mother,  how  I  hate 
that  laugh ! — and  bade  me  be  easy. 


A  PAGE  FROM  THE  PAST  337 

"  '  I  am  here  before  my  time,'  he  said.  *  Richard 
is  jet  King,  and  I  stand  now  with  him,  and  am  just 
come  from  mustering  my  following  at  Roxford.  He 
has  promised  me  your  hand  when  the  rebellion  is 
ended.  Therefore,  I  have  you  sure,  whoever  con- 
quers ;  for  in  the  battle  I  shall  so  play  as  to  be  with 
him  who  wins.'  ....  He  drew  back  the  arras 
— then  paused  as  though  the  thought  had  just  come : 
*  Perchance  it  will  interest  you  to  know  that  a  cer- 
tain Aymer  de  Lacy  has  left  England  and  returned 
to  France.' 

"  *  It  is  a  lie — a  lie  of  your  black  heart ! '  I  cried. 

"  But  he  only  smiled  maliciously  and  went  out. 
And  thank  God,  since  that  evening  I  have  never  seen 
him  more. 

"  And  now  is  my  tale  most  told.  For  a  week 
longer  I  dwelt  in  that  room,  and  saw  no  person  but 
my  dumb  attendant.  At  a  strange  hour  on  the  night 
of  the  seventh  day,  there  came  a  knock  at  the  door 
and,  without  staying  for  permission,  a  robed  figure 
entered. 

"  '  Be  not  alarmed,  daughter,'  it  said,  as  I  sprang 
up.    '  I  come  to  take  you  hence.' 

"  It  was  the  Abbot  Aldam  himself,  and  my  anger 
arose. 

"  '  Since  when,  Sir  Abbot,'  I  demanded,  '  has  the 
Abbey  of  Kirkstall  become  the  prison  for  abducted 
women  ?  ' 

"  *  Since  it  pleased  me  to  assist  a  friend  in  need,' 

he  answered. 
22 


338  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

*'  Coming  near,  he  scanned  my  face  and  figure ; 
and  suddenly  he  put  his  arms  about  me  and  kissed 
me  on  the  mouth. 

De  Lacy  struck  his  gauntlets  against  his  greaves. 

"  God !     I  am  glad  I  killed  him,"  he  gritted. 

"  So  am  I,  dear,"  said  the  Countess — then  went 
on :  "  I  tried  to  reach  my  dagger,  but  Aldam  caught 
my  hands  and  kissed  me  twice  again. 

"  '  Be  not  so  timid,'  he  laughed.  *  There  are  many 
of  your  sex  come  to  this  room,  and  far  different  from 
a  simple  caress  is  the  toll  they  pay.  But  you  are 
Darby's,  so  must  I  stop  with  that  ....  yet 
I  would  it  were  otherwise,'  and  his  look  was  so 
cruelly  devouring  I  fled  to  the  far  side  of  the  room. 

"  There  I  waited,  ready  if  he  sought  again  to 
touch  me,  to  sink  my  dagger  in  his  breast.  But  he 
had  bound  his  passions,  seemingly,  for  he  sat  down 
and  bade  me  prepare  to  leave  without  delay.  And 
gladly  did  I  comply,  caring  little  where  I  went,  so 
that  I  left  this  vile  priest's  clutches. 

*'  When  I  had  done,  he  took  my  bundle  and  a 
candle  and  led  the  way  through  a  hidden  panel  in 
the  corner  opposite  the  door.  We  passed  along  a 
narrow  corridor,  with  the  roof  almost  against  our 
heads,  and  descended  a  score  of  stone  stairs  into  a 
tunnel,  deep  and  foul.  How  far  we  went  I  cannot 
even  guess,  but  presently  there  was  another  ascent 
of  stairs,  and  after  a  bit  of  fumbling,  the  heavy  door 
swung  back  and  I  felt  a  rush  of  night  air  and  saw 
the  moonlight. 


A  PAGE  FROM  THE  PAST  339 

"  Thrusting  the  Abbot  aside,  I  sprang  through 
the  opening  ....  and  into  the  arms  of  Simon 
Gorges. 

**  'Your  pardon,  my  lady,'  he  said ;  then  freed 
me,  but  stood  within  easy  reach.  He  was  alone,  and 
beside  his  horse  was  another  with  a  woman's  saddle. 
He  saw  my  eyes  upon  it. 

"  'We  are  for  Roxford  Castle,'  he  explained. 

"  '  Listen,  Gorges,'  I  said.  '  What  will  you  have 
to  take  me  back  to  Pontefract?  Name  your  price, 
man — I  am  rich  and  can  pay  a  royal  ransom — and 
you  shall  enter  the  King's  own  guard.' 

"  He  shook  his  head.  '  I  have  served  the  Lords  of 
Darby  all  my  life,  and  my  sire  and  my  grandsire 
before  me.  No  gold  nor  rank  can  buy  me  from  my 
duty.  To  me  you  have  been  committed,  pending  my 
lord's  return ;  and  so  long  as  I  have  power  to  keep 
3"ou,  I  must  obey.' 

"  '  It  is  an  ignoble  task  you  are  assigned,'  I  began. 

"  But  he  would  not  hear  me.  '  You  forget,  my 
lady,  that  I  am  of  those  you  and  your  station  deem 
ignoble.  Yet,  none  the  less,  am  I  ashamed  of  this 
business — though,  since  my  lord  commands,  it  is  not 
for  me  to  question  nor  delay.  Therefore,  I  pray 
you,  let  us  mount  and  be  going?  ' 

"  I  saw  he  neither  could  be  bought  nor  persuaded, 
so  I  let  him  lift  me  into  saddle  and  we  set  out  for 
Roxford.  On  the  way,  I  asked  why  I  was  being  so 
moved  about,  though  I  had  no  hope  he  would  tell  me ; 
and  for  a  while  he  made  no  answer.     Then,  to  mj 


340  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

surprise,  he  said :  '  What  do  you  think  would  be 
the  reason  ?  ' 

" '  Can  it  be  that  Lord  Darby  is  suspected  of  my 
abduction  ?  '  I  cried.  And  the  hope  that  had  almost 
died  came  back  to  life  with  a  bound. 

"  *  Will  you  promise  never  to  betray  me  to  him .'' ' 

"  '  I  promise,'  I  answered,  all  a  tremble. 

"  So  he  detailed  how,  as  Flat-Nose,  he  had 
been  sought  over  all  England;  how  at  Sheffield,  you, 
Aymer,  had  come  upon  him  and  Lord  Darby  to- 
gether, and  had  carried  his  master  to  the  King  at 
Lincoln ;  how  he,  himself,  escaping,  had  galloped 
back  and  hurried  me  to  Kirkstall,  assuming  that 
Roxford  would  be  visited  by  Richard's  order;  how 
Darby  had  bested  you  with  the  King;  and  how 
Buckingham's  rebellion  had  sent  you  and  Darby 
with  the  army  to  the  South. 

"  *  For  the  time  Roxford  will  be  in  no  danger  of 
a  searching  party,  so  you  are  being  returned  there,' 
he  ended.  *  But  if  I  know  aught  of  Sir  Aymer  de 
Lacy,  my  lord  has  not  yet  won  his  bride.' 

"  '  Lord  Darby  told  me  that  the  King  had  prom- 
ised him  my  hand — and  that  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy 
had  gone  to  France,'  I  said. 

"  He  looked  at  me  with  a  smile. 

"  '  I  never  contradict  my  master,'  he  replied ;  but 
there  was  vast  encouragement  for  me  in  his  tones. 

"  And  I  slept  that  night  as  I  had  not  for  weeks ; 
nor  troubled  that  I  lay  once  more  at  Roxford  Castle. 
For  after  my  heavy  gloom  and  dark  despair,  even 


A  PAGE  FROM  THE  PAST  341 

the  smallest  hope  was  mountain  size  and  promised 
sure  release.  And  so  I  waited ;  confident  and  strong. 
Last  evening  near  sundown  the  Abbot  Aldam 
came;  and  as  I  saw  him,  all  bedraggled,  cross  the 
courtyard  on  foot  and  unattended,  I  felt  that  my 
deliverance  was  near.  No  one  of  his  rank  and  sta- 
tion would  travel  so,  except  his  life  were  jeopardized, 
and  I  cried  out  in  joy  at  his  undoing.  Then  I  sent 
for  Gorges  and  learned  the  Abbot's  tale — that  he  had 
escaped  by  the  passage  used  for  me,  and  that  you 
were  even  then  at  Kirkstall. 

" '  To-morrow's  sun  will  see  Sir  Aymer  before 
the  barbican,  my  lady,'  he  said.  '  And  though  we 
shall  hold  the  castle  to  the  final  stroke,  yet  it  will 
be  a  losing  fight;  for  we  are  few  in  number,  and 
when  one  falls  there  will  not  be  another  to  step  into 
his  place.  And  so  will  it  be  that  you  have  seen  the 
last  of  Simon  Gorges,  whose  greatest  shame  is  to 
have  been  your  jailer.' 

"  He  bowed  awkwardly  and  was  going  when  I 
stopped  him. 

"  *  Your  lord  and  the  Abbot  of  Kirkstall  can 
learn  courtesy  and  chivalry  from  you,'  I  said.  *  But 
what  profit  can  your  death  be  to  Lord  Darby.'' 
When  I  am  found  here,  his  end  is  sure.  So  when 
the  last  hope  is  gone — the  castle  lost — promise  me 
that  if  quarter  be  offered,  you  will  not  let  it  pass ; 
take  your  life  and  you  shall  have  service  under  me.* 

"  He  was  embarrassed  by  my  praise  and  earnest- 
ness.    '  Your  ladyship  is  gracious ;  yet  must  I  think 


342  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

upon  the  matter,'  he  stammered ;  and  hurried  out  as 
though  afraid  I  might  persuade  him  more. 

"  Therefore,  dear,  as  on  the  stairway  I  heard  him 
accept  mercy  on  my  word,  you  will  grant  it  to  him  ?  " 

*'  He  is  your  prisoner,  sweetheart,  and  we  will  have 
him  here,"  said  Aymer.     "  You  are  his  judge." 

Presently,  with  helmet  in  hand  and  bladeless 
scabbard  by  his  side,  but  still  in  his  harness  dinted 
and  hacked  in  the  recent  fight.  Gorges  appeared; 
and  halting  at  the  threshold,  bowed  to  the  Countess ; 
then  saluting  the  Knight  with  formal  motion,  stood 
at  attention. 

"  Flat-Nose — for  by  that  name  I  know  you  best," 
said  De  Lacy,  "  you  yielded  prisoner  to  the  Countess 
of  Clare.     Advance  and  receive  your  sentence." 

Gorges  came  forward  and  knelt  at  her  feet  in 
silence. 

"  Simon,"  said  Beatrix,  "  you  were  kind  to  me 
when  most  I  needed  kindness;  will  you  now  take 
your  life  from  me  in  earnest  of  my  gratitude?  " 

"  That  will  I,  my  lady,  and  gladly,"  Gorges 
answered  frankly  and  at  once. 

"  And  will  you  wear  the  badge  of  Clare  and  be  my 
chief  retainer  ?  " 

The  soldier  hesitated  and  glanced  uncertainly  at 
De  Lacy. 

"  You  are  bound  no  longer  to  Lord  Darby's 
service,"  Sir  Aymer  admonished.  "  He  is  traitor  to 
the  King,  and  will  die  on  the  block  within  the 
month." 


A  PAGE  FROM  THE  PAST  343 

Then  Gorges  raised  the  hem  of  the  Countess'  gown 
and  kissed  it;  and  taking  her  hand  placed  it  on  his 
head. 

"  I  am  your  man,"  he  said.  "  Henceforth  do  with 
me  as  to  you  may  seem  good." 


XXVI 

The  Judgment  of  the  King 

In  the  Painted  Chamber  of  the  Palace  of  West- 
minster the  Court  was  gathered.  Through  the  great 
long  room,  amid  the  soft  light  of  scores  upon  scores 
of  candles,  moved  the  gorgeously  attired  throng — 
waiting  for  the  King  whose  usual  hour  of  entrance 
was  long  since  past.  And  curiosity  was  rife,  and 
uneasiness  in  the  atmosphere. 

For  the  times  were  sadly  unsettled;  and  among 
those  who  had  for  an  instant  hesitated  between 
Tudor  and  Plantagenet — and  their  number  was  not 
small — there  was  grave  anxiety,  lest  their  faint  loy- 
alty had  come  to  Richard's  ears.  And  to  such  it 
was  scarce  a  comforting  reflection  that,  in  Exeter, 
the  headsman  had  just  done  his  grim  work  upon  St. 
Leger;  albeit  he  were  husband  of  the  King's  own 
sister.  If  he  were  condemned  for  treason,  even 
though  it  were  open  and  notorious,  who  that  were 
tainted  ever  so  slightly  were  likely  to  be  spared? 

But  all  the  while,  the  ladies  laughed  and  chatted 
gayly,  and  the  knights  bowed  and  smiled  and  an- 
swered back  in  kind;  and  the  throng  as  a  whole 
seemed  to  be  without  a  shred  of  care. 

At  one  group  of  young  matrons  there  was  much 
merriment ;  and  as  Lord  Darby  chanced  to  stroll  by, 
344 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  34-5 

they  hailed  him  banteringly,  inviting  him  to  join 
them.     But  he  declined  with  sarcastic  pleasantry. 

*'  Fie,  sir !  It  was  not  a  gallant  speech,"  cried 
the  Lady  Strange,  with  a  toss  of  her  golden  locks; 
"  and  if  your  tongue  be  as  acid  always,  there  is  small 
wonder  that  rumor  gave  another  precedence  io  the 
favor  of  the  Countess  of  Clare." 

Darby  halted  and  bowed  low  and  long — ^very  low 
and  very  long. 

"  Your  ladyship  does  me  too  much  honor,"  he 
said,  with  well  assumed  humility,  "  in  even  thinking 
of  the  Countess  of  Clare  and  my  poor  self  in  the  same 
moment." 

"  Doubtless  I  do — since  your  devotion  was  too 
feeble  even  to  send  you  to  her  rescue." 

"And  now  you  do  me  deep  injustice;  I  sought  the 
Countess  from  the  day  following  the  abduction 
until  all  hope  was  gone.  Methinks  alas !  she  has  long 
since  been  gathered  with  the  Saints." 

The  Countess  of  Ware — the  Lady  Mary  Percy 
that  was — laughed  with  gibing  intonation. 

"  There  is  one,  at  least,  who  has  not  ceased  to  hope 
and  to  search,"  she  said. 

"  And  has  been  as  successful  as  myself,"  he  re- 
torted, nor  hid  the  sneer. 

"But  if  he  find  her?" 

Darby  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  Think  you 
there  is  recognition  in  the  spirit  world.'*  " 

"  Then  you  actually  believe  the  Countess  dead.''  " 
the  Lady  Lovel  asked. 


346  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

"  Beyond  all  question,  madam.  It  is  near  three 
months  since  the  abduction  and  a  trace  of  her  has 
yet  to  be  discovered ;  "  and  was  going  on  when  the 
Countess  of  Ware  stopped  him. 

"  Can  you  tell  us  what  detains  the  King?  "  she 
asked. 

"  I  have  no  notion,"  he  replied.  "  I  saw  him  an 
hour  or  so  ago  and  he  was  in  the  best  of  health  and 
humor," 

"  Your  news  is  stale,"  she  laughed ;  "  a  King's 
humor  an  hour  old  is  very  ancient." 

"  True,"  said  Darby,  "  true  indeed,  yet  here  comes 

one  who  can  doubtless  answer  fittingly 

Sir  Ralph,  what  delays  His  Majesty?  " 

But  De  Wilton  looked  him  straight  in  the  face, 
and  with  never  a  word  in  reply,  passed  on. 

And  at  that  moment  the  Black  Rod  entered,  and 
behind  him  came  the  King. 

Save  for  the  crimson  lining  of  his  short  gown,  he 
was  clad  in  white  from  head  to  foot,  an  ivory  boar 
with  eyes  of  rubies  and  tusks  of  sapphires,  pinned  the 
feather  in  his  bonnet,  about  his  neck  hung  the 
George,  and  his  only  weapon  was  the  diamond  hilted 
dagger  at  his  girdle.  With  it  he  toyed,  looking 
neither  to  the  right  nor  to  the  left,  nor  yet  to  the 
front;  but  rather  at  the  mental  picture  of  one  en- 
grossed in  thought. 

SloMly  and  with  the  impressive  dignity  that  was 
the  natural  heritage  of  the  Plantagenets,  he  mounted 
the  steps  to  the  Throne  and  turning  faced  his  Court ; 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  347 

and  all  bowed  low,  and  then  In  silence  waited,  while 
his  dark  eyes  searched  them  through. 

**  You  may  take  your  places,  my  Lord  Cardinal 
and  Lord  Chancellor,"  he  said.  "  Her  Majesty  will 
not  join  us  until  later." 

Bowing  in  response,  the  Archbishop  of  Canter- 
bury and  the  Bishop  of  Lincoln  assumed  their  stools 
on  the  third  step  of  the  dais ;  and  the  crowd,  released 
from  the  ceremonial  calm,  began  to  buzz  softly  with 
conversation,  though  without  taking  eye  from  the 
King.  And  they  turned  quickly  dumb  again  as 
Richard  raised  his  hand. 

"We  will  have  to  beg  your  kind  indulgences  if,  for 
a  while,  we  delay  the  games  and  the  dance,"  he  said. 
"  It  is  a  most  unhappy  chance  upon  this  evening  of 
all  others,  when  we  are  about  to  celebrate  our  safe 
return  from  rebellious  war,  that  there  has  come  to 
us  evidences  of  foulest  crime  and  darkest  treason  by 
one  high  in  rank  and  station,  and  who  is,  even  now, 
within  sound  of  my  voice." 

Over  the  Court  ran  a  shiver  of  apprehension ;  and 
men  eyed  one  another  with  misgiving  and  drew 
within  themselves;  while  the  women,  with  faces  sud- 
denly gone  white  and  lips  a  tremble,  clutched  the 
hands  of  those  most  dear,  as  though  to  shield  them 
from  the  doom  about  to  fall.  For  green  in  the  mem- 
ory was  Hastings,  and  Rivers,  and  Buckingham,  and 
St.  Leger,  and  the  stern  suddenness  of  their  taking 
off. 

"  Perchance,    it   were   more   suitable,"   the   King 


348  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

went  on,  "  that  matters  of  such  import  be  deferred 
to  the  quiet  of  the  council  chamber  and  the  Court  of 
the  Lord  High  Steward ;  and  in  particular,  that  there 
should  be  none  of  the  gentler  sex  in  presence.  Yet 
for  reasons  which  to  me  seem  adequate  and  proper, 
I  have  determined  otherwise.  He  who  is  charged 
with  these  crimes  is  now  among  you ;  and  by  you,  my 
lords  and  my  ladies,  shall  he  be  adjudged.  Stand 
forth,  Henry,  Lord  Darby  of  Roxford." 

The  gasp  that  soughed  through  the  room  as  Rich- 
ard spoke  the  name  was  far  more  of  relief  than  of 
wonder,  and  instantly  all  eyes  sought  the  accused. 

And  he  met  them  with  a  shrug  of  indifference  and 
a  smiling  face.  And  down  the  aisle  that  opened  to 
him  he  went — debonair  and  easy — until  he  stood 
before  the  Throne.  There  he  bent  knee  for  an  in- 
stant; then,  erect  and  unruffled,  he  looked  the  King 
defiantly  in  the  eye. 

*'  Here  stand  I  to  answer,"  he  said.  "  Let  the 
charges  be  preferred." 

Richard  turned  to  the  Black  Rod. 

"  Summon  the  accusers,"  he  ordered. 

As  the  Usher  backed  from  the  room,  there  arose  a 
hissing  of  whispers  that  changed  sharply  to  ex- 
clamations of  surprise  as  in  formal  tones  he  heralded : 

"  Sir  John  de  Bury !    Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy ! " 

The  elder  Knight  leaned  on  the  other's  arm  as 
they  advanced ;  but  dropped  it  at  the  Throne  and 
both  made  deep  obeisance.  An  impatient  glance 
from  the  King  brought  instant  quiet. 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  349 

"  Sir  John  de  Bury  and  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,"  he 
said,  "  you  have  made  certain  grave  accusations 
touching  Henry,  Lord  Darby  of  Roxford.  He 
stands  here  now  to  answer.  Speak,  therefore,  in 
turn." 

De  Bury  stepped  forward  and  faced  Darby,  who 
met  him  with  folded  arms  and  scornful  front. 

"  I  charge  Henry,  Lord  Darby,"  he  said,  "  with 
having  abducted  and  held  prisoner,  in  his  castle  of 
Roxford  and  elsewhere,  my  niece,  the  Lady  Beatrix 
de  Beaumont,  Countess  of  Clare." 

A  cry  of  amazement  burst  from  the  Court,  but 
Richard  silenced  it  with  a  gesture. 

"  You  have  heard,  my  lord,"  he  said.  "  What  is 
your  plea  ?  " 

"  Not  guilty.  Sire." 

At  a  nod  from  the  King,  De  Lacy  took  place  be- 
side Sir  John. 

"  I  charge  Henry,  Lord  Darby  of  Roxford,"  he 
cried,  "  with  high  treason,  in  that  he  aided  and 
abetted  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  in  his  late  rebel- 
lion, and  stood  prepared  to  betray  his  Sovereign  on 
the  field  of  battle." 

"  You  hear,  my  lord,"  said  the  King.  "  What  is 
your  plea  ?  " 

But  Darby  did  not  answer ;  and  for  a  while  Rich- 
ard watched  him  curiously,  as  with  half-bared  dag- 
ger and  lips  drawn  back  in  rage,  he  glowered  upon 
De  Lacy,  forgetful  of  all  things  save  his  hate.  And 
so  imminent  seemed  the  danger,  that  Aymer  put  hand 


360  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

to  his  own  poniard  and  fell  into  the  posture  to  receive 
attack.  And  doubtless  there,  before  the  Throne  it- 
self, would  these  two  men  have  fought  to  the  death 
for  very  lust  of  the  other's  blood,  had  not  the  clear, 
stern  voice  of  the  King  aroused  them,  like  cold  water 
in  a  sleeping  face. 

"  Do  you  not  hear,  Lord  Darby  ?  We  await  your 
plea ! » 

"  Not  guilty,"  Darby  answered  in  tones  husky 
with  rage.  "  And  I  demand  wager  of  battle,  as 
against  the  foul  charge  of  this  foreign  slanderer 
and  liar." 

"  I  pray  you,  my  Liege,  to  grant  it  to  the  traitor," 
said  De  Lacy  eagerly. 

But  Richard  waved  him  back.  "  The  wager  is 
refused.  By  the  evidence  shall  the  judgment  be. 
Proceed,  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy,  we  will  hear  you  first." 

The  Knight  drew  a  packet  from  his  doublet. 

"  I  offer  herewith,"  he  said,  "  the  dying  state- 
ment of  Henry  Stafford,  late  Duke  of  Buckingham, 
touching  the  part  taken  in  his  rebellion  by  the  ac- 
cused." 

"  I  object  to  it !  "  Darby  cried. 

"  For  what  reason .''  " 

"  Because  its  execution  has  not  been  proven ;  and 
because,  even  if  genuine,  it  is  incompetent  as  being 
by  a  condemned  traitor." 

"  Let  me  see  the  paper,"  said  the  King 

"  It  is  regular  on  its  face — signed  by  Stafford  under 
his  own  seal  and  attested  by  Sir  Richard  RatclifFe 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  351 

and  Sir  John  Kendale.  Do  you  wish  their  testi- 
mony? " 

Lord  Darby  bowed. 

"  Sir  Richard  RatclifFe  and  Sir  John  Kendale," 
the  King  said,  as  they  stood  forth,  "  do  you  each 
testify  on  honor  that  these  are  your  respective  signa- 
tures, and  that  you  saw  Henry  Stafford  sign  and 
affix  his  seal  hereto  ?  " 

"  We  do,  upon  our  knightly  honor,"  they  replied. 

"  It  would  appear,  Sir  John,  that  the  body  of  this 
document  is  in  your  handwriting." 

"  It  is,  Your  Majesty.  I  wrote  it  at  request  of 
Stafford  and  at  his  dictation." 

"Where.?" 

"  In  his  room  in  the  Blue  Boar  Inn  in  the  town  of 
Salisbury," 

"When.?" 

"  On  the  afternoon  of  the  second  day  of  Novem- 
ber last.  When  the  Duke  had  signed  it  he  went 
direct  to  execution." 

"  And  this  document  ?  "  the  King  questioned. 

"  Was  kept  by  me  until  presented  to  Your  Maj- 
esty that  same  evening;  and  by  your  direction  de- 
posited among  your  private  papers,  whence  I  took  it 
a  few  minutes  since  to  give  to  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy." 

Another  murmur  of  astonishment  went  up  from 
the  Court,  but  died  quickly  under  Richard's  glance. 

"  Methinks,  my  lord,"  he  said  addressing  Darby, 
*'  the  paper  has  been  sufficiently  proven  and  is  com- 
petent as  a  dying  declaration  of  a  co-conspirator. 


352  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

Therefore,  we  admit  it Read  it,  my 

Lord  Chancellor." 

The  Bishop  arose  and  spreading  out  the  parch- 
ment began : 

"I,  Henry  Stafford,  Duke  of  Buckingham,  being  about 
to  suffer  on  the  block  (which  even  now  stands  ready  before 
my  window)  do  liercby  make,  publish  and  declare  this  as 
and  for  my  dying  declaration;  trusting  that  thereby  I  may 
be  of  service  to  one  who,  though  my  foe  in  war,  has  been  my 
friend  in  peaceful  days,  and  now,  as  well,  when  all  others 
have  forsaken  and  betrayed  me — and  may,  at  the  same  time, 
bring  to  justice  a  pair  of  caitiffs.  By  these  presents,  do  I 
denounce  and  proclaim  Henry,  Lord  Darby,  and  John  Morton, 
ycleped  Bishop  of  Ely,  as  perjured  and  forsworn  traitors 
to  Richard,  King  of  England,  as  well  as  betrayers  of  their 
plighted  faith  to  me.  Further,  do  I  hereby  admonish  Richard 
Plantagenet  that  this  Darby  (whom  I  have  but  this  hour 
observed  among  his  forces  in  this  town)  and  the  aforesaid 
priest,  Morton,  are  the  instigators  of  my  rebellion;  that 
these  two  aided  me  in  all  the  scheming  of  the  plot;  that 
to  Darby  was  assigned  the  proclaiming  of  Henry  Tudor  in 
Yorkshire  and  the  North;  and  that,  within  one  week  of  the 
day  set  for  the  rising,  he  was  at  Brecknock  and  completed 
the  final  details.  That  he  was  a  double  traitor  I  knew  not 
imtil  I  saw  him  here  in  the  courtyard  this  day.  Also,  1 
denounce " 

"  Stay,  my  Lord  Bishop !  ^  the  King  interjected. 
"  Read  no  further  for  the  present." 

"  Since  when,  I  pray,  Sire,  has  it  become  the  law 
of  England  to  admit  only  such  part  of  a  paper  as 
may  suit  the  prosecution's  plan  ?  "  Darby  cried. 

"  You  wish  it  read  entire  ?  "  Richard  asked. 

"  Marry,  that  I  do.  Since  I  am  already  judged, 
it  can  work  me  no  hurt." 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  353 

Richard  looked  at  him  fixedly.  "  You  are  over- 
bold, sirrah ! " 

"  Those  who  speak  truth  to  a  King  must  needs  be 
so,"  was  the  curt  rejoinder. 

"  Steady  your  tongue,  Lord  Darby,"  said  Richard 
sternly,  "  else  may  the  Tower  teach  you  respect  for 
England's  King." 

"  Think  you,  then,  I  should  find  the  young  Fifth 
Edward  there alive.?  "  sneered  Darby. 

For  a  moment,  Richard's  eyes  flashed  like  sparks 
springing  from  the  clashing  of  two  angry  swords. 
Then  he  smiled;  and  the  smile  was  more  ominous 
than  the  sparks. 

"  Be  easy,  sir ;  the  remainder  of  the  declaration 
shall  be  read  in  season,"  he  said  very  quietly.  "  But 
first,  will  you  reply  now  to  Stafford's  allegation,  or 
shall  we  proceed  with  Sir  John  de  Bury 's  charge  ?  " 

If  this  were  all  the  evidence  of  treason  Darby  was 
in  small  danger  and  it  behooved  him  to  change  his 
bearing. 

"  I  did  Your  Majesty  grave  wrong  in  presuming 
you  had  prejudged  me,"  he  said  with  a  frank  smile, 
"  for  well  I  know  that  on  such  shallow  falsehoods  no 
man  could  ever  be  condemned.  And  here  do  I  place 
my  own  knightly  word  against  the  traitor  Bucking- 
ham's ;  and  do  specifically  deny  all  that  has  been  read 
by  the  Lord  Chancellor.  And  further,  do  I  solemnly 
affirm  that  neither  by  voice  nor  deed  have  I  been 
recreant  to  my  oath  of  allegiance,  nor  false  to  you. 
Moreover,  Sire,  my  very  action  in  the  rebellion  at- 
23 


364  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

tests  my  truth:  Did  I  not  hasten  to  join  your  army 
with  all  the  force  at  my  disposal?  Have  I  not  been 
ever  honest  and  faithful?  " 

And  with  arms  folded  proudly  on  his  breast,  he 
waited  for  the  acquittance  that  seemed  to  be  his  due. 

*'  As  the  case  stands  now,  it  M'ould  be  our  duty 
and  our  pleasure  to  pronounce  you  guiltless,"  Rich- 
ard replied.  "  But  it  so  chances  that  there  is  still 
another  witness  on  the  charge  of  treason,  whose  testi- 
mony deals  also  with  the  abduction.  Wherefore,  we 
shall  be  obliged  to  mingle  somewhat  the  two  matters 
and  so  to  withhold  our  judgment  until  the  trial  is 

ended  and  all  the  evidence  is  in My 

Lord  Chancellor,  proceed  with  the  reading." 

The  Bishop  resumed: 

"Also,  I  denounce  the  said  Henry,  Lord  Darby,  as  the 
abductor  of  the  Countess  of  Clare  whom,  he  told  me,  he  by 
pre-arrangement  with  her  had  seized  one  night  in  September 
and  had  carried  to  his  castle — she  loving  him,  but  being 
coerced  by  the  King  into  marrying  another.  And  I,  believing 
him,  promised  that  he  should  wed  her  and  receive  her  lands 
and  title  when  Henry  Tudor  became  King.  Only  to-day  did  I 
learn  that  he  had  taken  the  maid  by  force,  and  that  his  story 
of  her  love  for  him  was  pure  falsehood.  And  it  gratifies  me 
much  that,  perchance,  these  words  may  aid  in  the  lady's 
rescue  and  her  dastardly  abductor's  punishment.  In  testi- 
mony to  the  truth  whereof,  and  in  full  appreciation  of 
impending  death,  I  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  affix  my  seal 
of  the  Swan.  Given  at  the  Inn  of  the  Blue  Boar,  in  the 
town  of  Salisbury,  this  second  day  of  November,  in  the  year 
of  Grace  1483." 

The  Chancellor  folded  the  parchment.     "  I  have 
finished,  Sire,"  he  said. 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  355 

"  Now,  Lord  Darby,  you  have  had  your  wish  and 
heard  the  statement  full  and  entire,"  the  King  ad- 
monished. "  If  it  has  not  improved  your  case,  the 
next  witness,  methinks,  is  scarce  likely  to  better  it." 

At  a  sign,  the  Black  Rod  again  withdrew,  and 
once  more  there  was  profoundest  silence ;  and  upon 
the  doorway  in  the  corner  all  eyes  were  turned,  save 
those  of  the  accused.  He  stood  stolid  and  defiant 
glaring  at  De  Lacy.  Then  a  cry  went  up ;  and  after 
it  came  cheers  and  loud  applause.  Nor  did  Rich- 
ard offer  to  rebuke  it,  but  himself  leaned  forward 
smiling. 

Aroused  at  this.  Lord  Darby  glanced  around — 
and  suddenly  his  face  went  pale,  and  red,  and  pale 
again;  and  he  staggered  slightly,  passing  his  hand 
across  his  forehead  in  a  dazed-like  way.  For  there, 
advancing  toward  the  Throne,  hand  in  hand  with  the 
Queen,  was  the  woman  he  thought  securely  hid  in 
far  distant  Roxford  Castle. 

Then  sharp  panic  seized  him  and  he  turned  to  flee. 
But  close  behind  him  was  the  wall  of  courtiers,  and 
beyond  flashed  the  halberds  of  the  guard.  Straight- 
way, the  terror  passed,  and  he  was  again  the  cool 
soldier,  contemptuous  and  indiff^erent — though  he 
saw  full  well  the  case  would  go  against  him  and  that 
death  was  drawing  near.  And  so  he  waited,  utterly 
forgotten  for  the  moment,  amid  the  gladsome  wel- 
come for  the  Countess  of  Clare,  whom  all  long  since 
had  given  up  for  dead. 

At  the  foot  of  the  dais  Beatrix  stopped,  but  the 


856  BEATRIX  OP'  CLARE 

Queen  would  not  have  it  so,  and  with  gentle  insist- 
ence she  drew  her  up  the  steps.  And  Richard  met 
them  half  way,  and  with  him  on  one  side  and  the 
Queen  on  the  other,  she  stood  before  the  Court. 

Then  the  King  raised  his  hand  for  silence. 

"  Behold !  "  he  said,  "  the  lost  Lady  of  Clare !  " 
and  kissed  her  finger  tips,  while  the  cheers  swelled 
forth  afresh. 

She  curtsied  low  in  response,  and  sought  to 
descend  to  her  place.     But  Richard  detained  her. 

"  Fair  Countess,"  he  said,  "  the  Lord  Darby 
stands  here  accused  of  your  abduction,  and  of  com- 
plicity in  the  late  rebellion ;  we  have  sent  for  you  to 
testify  your  knowledge  in  these  matters." 

Beatrix's  face  grew  grave,  and  for  a  little  while 
she  made  no  answer. 

"  I  implore  you.  Sire,  relieve  me  from  the  duty," 
she  said.  "  Safe  now  and  freed  from  my  captor's 
power,  I  want  never  to  look  upon  him  nor  to  speak 
his  name,  being  well  content  to  let  God  in  His  Provi- 
dence punish  the  crime  against  me." 

"  Your  words  are  earnest  of  your  gracious  heart," 
said  the  King.  "  But  for  the  honor  and  name  of  fair 
England,  it  may  not  be  settled  so.  If  Lord  Darby 
be  guilty,  then  must  he  suffer  punishment,  were  it 
for  no  other  reason  than  that  our  laws  demand  it. 
If  he  be  innocent,  it  is  his  bounden  right  to  receive 
full  acquittance  here  in  the  presence  of  those  before 
whom  he  has  been  arraigned.  Speak !  as  your 
Sovereign  I  command.     Who  was  your  abductor?" 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  357 

The  Countess  clasped  her  hands  before  her  and 
hesitated.  Then  for  the  first  time,  she  let  her  eyes 
rest  upon  Darby ;  and  the  sight  of  him  seemed  to 
nerve  her ;  and  she  raised  her  arm  and  pointed  at  him 
with  accusing  finger,  while  her  voice  rang  out  full 
and  strong: 

"  There  he  stands — Lord  Darby  of  Roxf ord !  By 
his  orders  I  was  seized  and  carried  to  his  castle,  where 
he  came  and  sought  first  to  persuade,  and  then  to 
force  me  into  marriage  with  him.  And  when  I 
scorned  him,  he  swore  with  words  insulting  he  would 
hold  me  prisoner  until  he  and  Buckingham  had  made 
a  King  of  Henry  Tudor,  when  he  would  wed  me 
whether  I  wished  or  no.  Later  it  seems  he  somewhat 
changed  his  plans,  and  instead  of  joining  openly 
with  Henry  he  remained  with  you,  Sire ;  yet  with  full 
intention,  as  he,  himself,  assured  me,  to  cleave  to 
whatever  side  was  winning  in  the  battle.  So  was 
he  sure,  he  said,  to  be  in  favor  with  whomever  wore 
the  crown.  Of  all  these  crimes  and  treasons  is 
yonder  false  lord  guilty.  And  had  not  Sir  John 
De  Bury  and  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy  carried  by  storm 
his  Castle  of  Roxford,  I  would  yet  be  a  prisoner  to 
him." 

And  the  very  thought  brought  quick  reaction  and 
her  courage  ebbed,  and  turning  her  back  upon  the 
Court,  she  covered  her  face  with  her  hands. 

Through  the  swift  denunciation  Lord  Darby  had 
stood  with  impassive  face  and  eyes  that  never 
flinched,  looking  straight  at  the  Countess;  then  he 


358  BEATKIX  OF  CLARE 

shifted  his  glance  to  the  King.  He  knew  that  the 
words  just  uttered  had  confirmed  his  doom — that  in 
all  that  throng  there  was  no  friend  for  him,  nor  even 
one  to  do  him  favor.  A  score  of  lies  or  a  flood  of 
denials  would  be  unavailing  to  win  so  much  as  a 
glance  of  sympathy.  He  had  essayed  a  game  with 
Destiny ;  he  had  lost  and  must  pay  penalty — and  he 
never  doubted  what  that  penalty  would  be  with  Rich- 
ard Plantagenet  his  judge.  But  at  least,  he  would 
wring  a  cry  of  pain  from  the  heart  of  his  enemy — 
and  he  smiled  and  waited. 

Then  the  King  spoke :  "  We  will  hear  you  now, 
Lord  Darby." 

"  I  thank  Your  Gracious  Majesty  for  the  stem  im- 
partialness  of  this  trial,"  he  said  with  biting  sarcasm. 
"  It  was  planned  as  skillfully  as  was  a  certain  other 
in  the  White  Tower,  adown  the  Thames,  when  Has- 
tings was  the  victim  " — and  he  gave  his  sneering 
laugh;  and  then  repeated  it,  as  he  remarked  the 
shudder  it  brought  to  the  Countess.  "  Nathless  I 
am  not  whimpering.  I  have  been  rash ;  and  rashness 
is  justified  only  by  success.  For  I  did  abduct  the 
Countess  of  Clare,  and  have  her  carried  to  my  Castle 
of  Roxford.  So  much  is  truth."  Then  he  faced  Sir 
Aymcr  de  Lacy  and  went  on  with  a  malevolent 
smile.  "  But  she  was  not  a  prisoner  there,  nor  did  I 
take  her  against  her  wish.  She  went  by  pre- 
arrangement,  and  remained  with  me  of  her  own 
free  will.  I  thought  she  loved  me,  and  believed 
her   protestations   of  loathing   for  the  upstart   De 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  359 

Lacy  who,  she  said,  was  pursuing  her  with  his  suit. 
And  when  she  begged  me  to  take  her  with  me 
and  risk  your  Majesty's  anger,  I  yielded;  and  to 
the  end  that  we  might  wed,  I  did  embark  in  the 
plottings  of  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  upon  his 
engagement,  for  the  Tudor  Henry,  that  our  union 
would  be  sanctioned.  Later,  when  the  lady  seemed 
so  happy  with  me  at  Roxford,  methought  the  mar- 
riage could  bide  a  bit,  and  so  resolved  to  wait  until 
the  battle  to  choose  between  Plantagenet  and  Tudor. 
Having  the  girl,  I  coulithen  get  the  estates  as  pay- 
ment of  my  service  to  the  victor.  But  it  would  seem 
I  risked  too  much  upon  the  lady's  love.  For  while 
I  was  at  the  wars,  either  she  tired  of  me  and  so 
deserted  Roxford,  or  having  been  found  there  by 
De  Bury  and  the  Frenchman,  as  she  says,  she  deemed 
it  wise  to  play  the  innocent  and  wronged  maiden  held 
in  durance  by  her  foul  abductor.  Leastwise,  whoso 
desires  her  now  is  welcome  to  her,"  and  he  laughed 
again. 

Then  could  De  Lacy  endure  it  no  longer;  and 
casting  off  De  Bury's  restraining  arm,  he  flashed 
forth  his  dagger  and  sprang  toward  Darby,  But  as 
he  leaped  Sir  Richard  Ratcliffe  caught  him  round 
the  neck  and  held  him  for  the  space  that  was  needful 
for  him  to  gather  back  his  wits. 

"  For  God's  sake,  man,  be  calm ! "  he  said,  as  he 
loosed  him.     "  Let  Richard  deal  with  him." 

And  the  Countess,  as  Darby's  vile  insinuations 
reached  her  ears,  drew  herself  up  and  gently  putting 


860  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

aside  the  Queen,  turned  and  faced  him.  And 
lier  moutli  set  hard,  and  her  fingers  clenched  her 
palms  convulsively.  So,  she  heard  liim  to  the  end, 
proudly  and  defiantly ;  and  when  he  had  done,  she 
raised  her  hand  and  pointed  at  him  once  again. 

"  Though  I  am  a  woman,"  she  exclaimed,  "  here 
do  I  tell  you.  Lord  Darhy,  you  lie  in  your  throat ! " 

"  Aye,  my  lady !  that  he  does,"  a  strange  voice 
called ;  and  from  the  doorway  strode  Simon  Gorges, 
the  anger  on  his  ugly  face  flaming  red  as  the  hair 
above  it. 

"  May  I  speak.  Sire  ?  "  he  demanded,  halting 
before  the  Throne  and  saluting  the  King  in  brusque, 
soldier  fashion. 

"  Say  on,  my  man,"  said  Richard. 

"  Then  hear  you  all  the  truth,  touching  this  dirty 
business,"  he  cried  loudly.  "  I  am  Flat-Nose. 
At  Lord  Darby's  order,  I  waylaid  and  seized  by  force 
the  Countess  of  Clare,  and  carried  her  to  Roxford 
Castle.  Never  for  one  moment  went  she  of  her  own 
accord,  and  never  for  one  moment  stayed  she  will- 
ingly. She  was  prisoner  there;  ever  watched  and 
guarded,  and  not  allowed  outside  the  walls.  In  all 
the  weeks  she  was  there  Lord  Darby  saw  her  only 
once.  And  when  he  spoke  to  her  of  love,  she  scorned 
and  lashed  him  so  with  words  methought  he  sure 
would  kill  her,  for  I  was  just  outside  the  door  and 
heard  it  all." 

"  Truly,  Sire,  you  have  arranged  an  entertain- 
ment more  effective  than  I  had  thought  even  your 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  361 

deep  brain  could  scheme,"  Darby  sneered,  as  Gorges 

paused  for  breath "  What  was  your 

price,  Simon?     It  should  have  been  a  goodly  one." 

"  Measure  him  not  by  your  standard,  my  fair 
lord,"  said  the  King.  "  He  held  your  castle  until 
none  but  him  was  left;  and  even  then  yielded  not  to 
his  assailants,  but  only  to  the  Countess." 

"  And  upon  the  strict  engagement  that  I  should 
not  be  made  to  bear  evidence  against  you,"  Flat- 
Nose  added.  "  But  even  a  rough  man-at-arms  would 
be  thrice  shamed  to  hear  a  woman  so  traduced  and 
not  speak  in  her  favor.  Therefore,  my  lord,  I,  too, 
say  you  lie." 

But  Darby  only  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  bowed 
to  the  Countess. 

"  Your  ladyship  is  irresistible,"  he  said,  "  since 
you  have  wiles  for  both  tb.e  master  and  the  man." 

"  Shame !  Shame  !  "  exclaimed  the  grey-haired 
Norfolk,  and  the  whole  throng  joined  in  the  cry. 

Then  forth  stepped  Sir  Aymer  de  Lacy. 

"  I  pray  you,  my  liege,"  said  he,  "  grant  me 
leave  to  avenge  upon  the  body  of  yonder  lord  the 
wrongs  the  Countess  of  Clare  has  suffered." 

Beatrix  made  a  sharp  gesture  of  dissent  and 
turned  to  the  King  appealingly. 

With  a  smile  he  reassured  her. 

"  Not  so,  De  Lacy,"  he  said  kindly.  "  We  do  not 
risk  our  faithful  subjects  in  combat  with  a  confessed 
traitor.  There  are  those  appointed  who  care  for  such 
as  he Nay,  sir,  urge  me  not — it   is 


362  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

altogether  useless."  And  he  motioned  Ayraer  back 
to  his  place. 

Then  he  faced  Lord  Darby,  who  met  him  with  a 
careless  smile. 

"  Out  of  your  own  mouth  have  you  condemned 
yourself,"  he  said.  "  And  there  is  now  no  need  for 
verdict  by  your  Peers.  It  remains  but  to  pass  upon 
you  the  judgment  due  your  crimes.  And  first:  for 
your  foul  wrong  to  the  Countess  of  Clare  and 
through  her,  to  all  womankind,  here,  in  her  presence 
and  before  all  the  Court,  you  shall  be  degraded." 

Darby's  face  flushed  and  he  took  a  quick  step 
backward,  like  one  stricken  by  a  sudden  blow.  But 
he  made  no  reply,  save  from  his  angry  eyes. 

"  What  say  you,  Flat-Nose ;  will  you  execute  the 
office?  "  the  King  asked. 

"  And  it  please  you.  Sire,  I  cannot  do  such  shame 
upon  my  former  master,"  Gorges  answered  bluntly. 

"  It  does  please  me  well,  sirrah ;  though  truly  your 

face  belies  your  heart What,  ho !  the 

guard!  ....  Let  the  under-officer  come 
forward." 

In  a  moment  the  tall  form  of  Raynor  Royk  stalked 
out  from  the  throng,  and  halting  in  the  open  he 
raised  his  halberd  in  salute. 

"  Hew  me  off  the  spurs  from  yonder  fellow,"  the 
King  ordered,  with  a  move  of  his  hand  toward  the 
condemned. 

Saluting  again,  the  old  soldier  strode  over  and 
with    two    sharp    blows   of   his    weapon    struck    the 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  363 

golden  insignia  of  Knighthood  from  Lord  Darby's 
heels. 

Nor  did  Darby  make  resistance;  but  with  arms 
folded  on  his  breast  he  suffered  it  to  be  done,  though 
his  bosom  heaved  in  the  fierce  struggle  to  be  calm, 
and  the  flush  left  his  face  and  it  grew  gray  and 
drawn,  and  bitter  agony  looked  out  from  his  eyes. 
And  many  turned  away  their  heads.  And  on  the 
dais  the  Countess  had  faced  about,  and  the  Queen 
and  she  were  softly  weeping. 

Lifting  the  spurs  from  the  pavement  Raynor 
Royk  held  them  up. 

"  The  order  is  executed.  Sire,"  he  said. 

"  Fling  them  into  the  ditch,"  the  King  com- 
manded.    "  They,  too,  are  stained  with  dishonor." 

Then  in  tones  cold  and  passionless,  and  wherein 
there  was  no  shade  of  mercy,  he  went  on :  "  And  now, 
Henry  Darby — for  Lord  and  Knight  you  are  no 
longer — you  have  suffered  penalty  for  one  crime, 
hear  the  judgment  for  the  other:  As  false  to  your 
oath  of  fealty  and  traitor  to  your  King,  the  sentence 
is  that  you  be  taken  hence  to  Tyburn  and  there 
hanged  by  the  neck  until  dead — and  may  the  Lord 
Omnipotent  have  pity  on  your  soul.     Remove  him." 

"  Come,"  said  Raynor  Royk,  and  led  him  through 
the  crowd,  which  drew  shudderingly  aside  to  give  him 
passage. 

And  Darby — stunned  by  the  stern  justice  that 
had  sent  him  to  die  a  common  felon  on  Tyburn 
Tree,  Instead  of  as  a  Lord  and  Peer  of  England,  on 


d64  BEATRIX  OF  CLARE 

the  block  on  Tower  Hill — went  with  dazed  brain  and 
silently ;  and  ere  his  faculties  returned,  he  was  among 
the  guards  in  the  rear.  Then  with  a  sudden  twist  he 
turned  about  and  shouted  with  all  his  voice: 

"  Long  live  Henry  Tudor !  '* 

It  was  his  last  defiance.  The  next  instant  he  was 
dragged  outside  and  the  doors  swung  shut  behind 
him ;  while  from  all  the  Court  went  up  the  answering 
cry: 

"  Long  live  Plantagenet !    God  save  the  King !  " 

And  when  silence  came  the  Countess  and  De  Lacy 
were  gone. 

"  So,"  said  Sir  Aymer,  as  Beatrix  and  he  reached 
the  quiet  of  the  Queen's  apartments,  "  your  troubles 
end — the  sun  shines  bright  again." 

The  Countess  sank  into  a  chair  and  drew  him  on 
the  arm  beside  her. 

"  My  troubles  ended  when  you  crossed  the  court- 
yard of  Roxford,"  she  replied,  taking  his  hand  in 
both  her  own,  "  but  yours  have  not  begun." 

"  Wherefore,  sweetheart?  "  he  asked.  "  I  thought 
mine,  too,  had  ended  there." 

"  No,"  with  a  shake  of  the  ruddy  head     .     .     . 

"  no Your   heaviest   troubles   are   yet 

to  come." 

He  looked  at  her  doubtfully "  And 

when  do  they  begin  ?  " 

She  fell  to  toying  with  her  rings  and  drawing  fig- 
ures on  her  gown. 


JUDGMENT  OF  THE  KING  365 

*'  That  is  for  you  to  choose,"  she  said,  with  a  side- 
long   glance "  Next    year,    may    be, 

.     .     .     .     to-morrow,  if  you  wish." 

"  You  mean ?  "  he  cried. 

She  sprang  away  with  a  merry  laugh — then  came 
slowly  back  to  him. 

"  I  mean,  my  lord,  they  will  begin  .... 
when  you  are  Earl  of  Clare." 


The  End 


THE  DASHING  NOVEL 

THE 

COLONEL 
OF  THE 
RED  HUZZARS 

By 

JOHN  REED  SCOTT 


Stirring  adventures,  courtly  intrigue,  and  fencing  both 
of  sword  and  wit,  fill  the  pages  of  this  story.  The  plot  is 
built  upon  a  wager  between  Major  Dalberg,  U.  S.  A.,  and 
a  friend  that  within  a  certain  time  both  would  be  dining 
with  the  king  and  dancing  with  the  princess  royal  of  Va- 
leria. Strangely  enough,  Dalberg  proves  to  be  of  the  blood 
royal  of  Valeria,  is  reinstated  into  his  ancestral  rights,  and 
when  matters  are  about  to  reach  a  climax,  the  pretender 
steps  in,  and  there  ensues  an  encounter  between  American 
pluck  and  unscrupulous  cleverness. 

"  There's  not  a  dull  page  in  it.''— The  Index,  Pittsburg. 

"  A  slap>-dashing  vacation-day  romance." — Evening  Sun,  Nrw  York. 

"  So  naively  fresh  in  its  handling,  so  plausible  through  its  naturalness' 
that  it  comes  like  a  mountain  breeze  across  the  far-spreading  desert  of 
similar  romances." — Gazette-Times,  Pittsburg. 

lUustr&tioni  in  Colon   by  CLARENCE  F.  UNDERWOOD 
I2mo.       Decorated  cloth,  I1.5O 


J.  B.  Lippincott  Company,  Philadelphia 


BREAKERS 
AHEAD 


-A   NEW    AMERICAN   NOVEL- 


of  love  and  plot,  full  of  excitement  qnd  incident,  by 

A.  MAYNARD  BARBOUR 

Author  of 
"That  Mainwaring  Affair"  (12  editions) 

♦•At  the  Time  Appointed  "  (10  editions) 

"Mac"  Denning  is  a  man  of  great  force  of 
character,  resourceful,  clever,  and  attractive,  but 
very  selfish.  He  accumulates  a  large  fortune  in 
mines  and  banking,  but  still  he  is  not  happy,  for 
he  can  not  throw  of?  the  memory  of  the  wife  he 
had  deserted  because  of  her  inferior  social  posi- 
tion. The  latter  part  of  the  story  is  full  of 
dramatic  incidents,  when  an  attractive  widow 
with  a  lovable  little  daughter,  and  his  son,  whom 
he  has  never  seen,  appear  on  the  scene. 

"  A  novel  to  stir  the  pulse  of  the  most  blas6  reader  of  fiction." — Boston 
Herald. 

"  Full  of  action  and  with  a  remarkably  effective  ending." — Record- 
Herald,  Chicago. 

"  Constantly  grows  in  interest  as  it  progresses  and  in  its  concluding 
chapters  becomes  so  tense  that  it  leaves  the  reader  no  option  but  to  finish 
it  before  putting  it  down." — Evening  Telegraph,  Philadelphia. 

Frontispiece  in  colors,  by  James  L.  Wood 
12mo.    Decorated  cloth,  $1.50 


J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  COMPANY 

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